One of the biggest surprises of the NBA offseason may not involve a free agent at all. Instead, it could involve a familiar face making an unexpected return to Toronto.
The Raptors are expected to explore multiple ways to upgrade their roster this summer, and one name that has quietly surfaced is someone who already became a household name despite spending just a single year that culminated in a championship: Kawhi Leonard.
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On Sunday, NBA insider Jake Fischer shared where things currently stand with a potential Leonard and Toronto reunion, and it seems like a real possibility now.
“The Raptors and Clippers have held real trade conversations this weekend on sending Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto, according to league sources,” Fischer wrote on X.
It’s the kind of rumor that sounds far-fetched on the surface. After all, Leonard has been anchored in Los Angeles with championship aspirations. He wasn’t brought in to be a short-term solution; he was supposed to become a foundational piece of a title contender. But the NBA offseason has a way of creating opportunities where none seemed to exist a few months earlier.
Kawhi is coming off arguably one of the healthiest and most productive seasons of his later career, averaging a career-high 27.9 points and 6.4 rebounds in 65 games. His combination of size and mobility would instantly make him one of the most coveted two-way players available if the Clippers are genuinely willing to listen.
And while there could be reasons why Los Angeles might be shopping him as they potentially enter a rebuild to recoup draft picks, there are just as many reasons why a reunion with Toronto isn’t impossible.
What Could the Clippers Potentially Receive in a Kawhi Leonard Trade?
To anticipate what Los Angeles should expect in return if they deal Kawhi Leonard to Toronto this summer, Jake Fischer noted that the Raptors would actually prefer to part ways with Brandon Ingram over RJ Barrett.
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Fischer wrote:
“In discussions with the Clippers, sources say Toronto has expressed a preference in dealing Brandon Ingram to Los Angeles, as opposed to RJ Barrett.”
It’s worth noting Ingram is also coming off a productive year following seasons of inconsistency and injuries. He played 77 games – his most since his rookie season – averaging 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists in his first year with Toronto.
He signed a $40 million annual contract extension with the Raptors. As for Leonard, whose extension-eligible status is gaining massive momentum, he could earn $50.3 million for the 2026–27 season if he opt to return to the Raptors.
However, things remain fluid, and there are several details to iron out regarding what the Raptors prefer to send versus what the Clippers want in return. But no matter what happens, it should be incredibly fun to see play out.
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