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Raptors Begin Kawhi Talks, Eye $124M Extension

7/6/2026

38 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Kawhi Leonard Talks

The Toronto Raptors will start contract talks with forward Kawhi Leonard this week after a June 30 trade.
Leonard, 35, has $50.3 million left on his 2024 three-year Clippers deal and could sign a two-year, $123.7 million extension with Toronto.
The deal trades Leonard for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and draft picks, pending Monday approval.
Leonard averaged 27.9 points and 6.4 rebounds in 65 games last season, finishing seventh in MVP voting.

Summary

Leonard Salary Probe

The NBA is investigating the Los Angeles Clippers for allegedly circumventing the salary cap to pay Leonard extra money.
Leonard and the Clippers denied rumors of a $28-million no-show endorsement with the defunct firm Aspiration.
Leonard’s uncle Dennis Robertson was interviewed by the league as part of the probe.
Leonard said he would only sign an extension with Toronto and hopes to finish his career with the Raptors.

Summary

Leonard Hires Agent

Leonard hired Harrison Gaines of SLASH Sports as his new agent to steer extension talks.
ESPN research shows Leonard is the 53rd NBA player to win a title, leave, then return to his former team, and the only one of those 53 to have averaged 20 points per game before the move.
His demand for a long-term Toronto contract caused Minnesota and Detroit to abandon their pursuit.

History

Historical Context

In July 2010 LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers as an unrestricted free agent and signed a six-year $110 million deal with the Miami Heat, joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. That “superteam” move sparked the player-empowerment era and tighter NBA salary-cap oversight. The 2024 Toronto Raptors’ pursuit of Kawhi Leonard mirrors the same high-profile free-agency dynamics.

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Kawhi Leonard Talks

The Toronto Raptors will start contract talks with forward Kawhi Leonard this week after a June 30 trade.
Leonard, 35, has $50.3 million left on his 2024 three-year Clippers deal and could sign a two-year, $123.7 million extension with Toronto.
The deal trades Leonard for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and draft picks, pending Monday approval.
Leonard averaged 27.9 points and 6.4 rebounds in 65 games last season, finishing seventh in MVP voting.

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