Raptors Trade for Kawhi Leonard: Cost, Potential, and Outlook

On July X, the Toronto Raptors traded forward Brandon Ingram, rookie Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, second-round picks in 2030 and 2033, and a 2027 first-round swap to the Los Angeles Clippers for two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and a multi-year extension. The trade confirmed Leonard “has been traded to the Toronto Raptors for the second time in his career.” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Leonard “could be retiring soon in Toronto” after his contract expires.

Sports IllustratedMind-boggling Jaylen Brown trade raises questions about Raptors’ Kawhi Leonard moveKawhi Leonard Traded Back to Raptors: Can He Make Toronto A Contender Again?

Leonard averaged 27.9 points, 50.5 % shooting from the field, 38.7 % from three, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.9 steals and a 63.2 % true-shooting rate last season, posting a daily plus-minus of 5.9 and a net rating of +12.7. In contrast, Ingram posted 21.5 points in the regular season but dropped to 12 points in Toronto’s seven-game first-round loss to Cleveland, with a –5.4 Net On rating and negative offensive and defensive ratings. The Raptors attempted three-point shots on 36.6 % of attempts and made 35 %.

Kawhi Leonard Traded Back to Raptors: Can He Make Toronto A Contender Again?

Toronto’s low three-point volume (36.6 % of shots) and modest 35 % conversion left the team reliant on interior scorers Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett. Leonard’s three-point attempts (6.8 per game) and prior three-year average above 41 % could stretch defenses, create open looks for Barnes and Barrett, and form a two-way duo capable of elevating the Raptors’ playoff ceiling if healthy.

Kawhi Leonard Traded Back to Raptors: Can He Make Toronto A Contender Again?

Bill Simmons questioned the price, asking, “How does Jaylen go for half as much as mid-thirties Kawhi, right?” and noted Leonard’s limited playoff series wins in five years. Ingram’s post-game remark that he was used as a screener highlighted his frustration with a reduced role. Leonard’s injury history and the loss of first-and second-round picks add further risk to the deal.

Mind-boggling Jaylen Brown trade raises questions about Raptors’ Kawhi Leonard move

• “How does Jaylen go for half as much as mid-thirties Kawhi, right?” — Bill Simmons, Analyst

Mind-boggling Jaylen Brown trade raises questions about Raptors’ Kawhi Leonard move

• “Your head goes there. Kawhi hasn’t won a playoff series in five years. Kawhi, with the Clippers, won two playoff series in seven years and missed more games than just about anybody other than Embiid the last six.” — Bill Simmons, Analyst

Mind-boggling Jaylen Brown trade raises questions about Raptors’ Kawhi Leonard move

• “He noticed that my man wasn’t coming off me, so he wanted me outside of the action and being a receiver. At the end of the day, me shooting nine shots is not going to win us basketball games” — Brandon Ingram, Forward, Clippers

Kawhi Leonard Traded Back to Raptors: Can He Make Toronto A Contender Again?

• “Was Leonard's Clippers Tenure a Success or Failure?” — Zion Trammel, Sports Illustrated

Sports Illustrated

The Raptors are eyeing DeMar DeRozan on a veteran-minimum deal to add scoring depth, as he may leave the Sacramento Kings. Leonard’s health will determine whether the team can translate his regular-season production into a deep playoff run, while the forfeited draft capital limits future flexibility.

Sports Illustrated