Toronto officials said on Tuesday they are on the brink of completing a trade that would return Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors from the Los Angeles Clippers. The negotiation, reported by the Associated Press, places the former Finals MVP back in the city where he helped secure the franchise’s first NBA championship in 2019.
Leonard’s original stint with Toronto culminated in the 2019 title, a milestone that has remained a reference point for the organization. After departing the team following that season, he spent the intervening years with the Clippers. The current talks aim to reverse that move, reuniting the player with the squad that benefited from his defensive prowess and scoring ability during the championship run.
The trade discussions have reached an advanced stage, according to sources close to the front office. While specific terms have not been disclosed, the timing aligns with the Raptors’ desire to bolster their roster ahead of the upcoming season. The potential return of Leonard arrives seven years after his championship contribution, a span that underscores the significance of the possible reunion for both the franchise and its fan base.
The Clippers, who acquired Leonard in a previous deal, are also engaged in the process, though details of what they might receive remain confidential. Both organizations appear committed to finding a mutually acceptable arrangement that satisfies salary considerations and roster needs.
If finalized, the transaction would mark Leonard’s first appearance in a Raptors uniform since the 2019 championship night. The move would also reestablish the link between the player and the city that celebrated its historic title. The league and its followers will watch closely as the final steps of the trade are completed.