Kawhi Leonard's Possible Return to Raptors Sparks Fan Excitement

WHO:

RealGM Basketball - The Detroit Pistons and Golden State Warriors were previously interested in a trade for Kawhi Leonard.

Newsweek - Masai Ujiri, the new president of the Dallas Mavericks, previously traded for Kawhi Leonard when he was with the Toronto Raptors and now wants to do it again.

RealGM Basketball - The Clippers have not been actively shopping Kawhi Leonard, according to sources Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.

Newsweek - NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Clippers have "had real conversations" about trading Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors.

RealGM Basketball - Masai Ujiri is the new president of the Dallas Mavericks and previously traded for Kawhi Leonard when he was with the Toronto Raptors.

RealGM Basketball - The Raptors are looking to add Brandon Ingram to the deal instead of RJ Barrett, with Gradey Dick mentioned as another player in a potential trade.

Newsweek - The Raptors have a preference for including a specific star player in a trade for Kawhi Leonard.

RealGM Basketball - Masai Ujiri is the new president of the Dallas Mavericks.

Sportskeeda - Kawhi Leonard is a player involved in trade rumors.

NY Post - The LA Clippers are the team currently associated with Kawhi Leonard.

WHAT:

RealGM Basketball - Leonard holds just one year remaining on his contract at $50.3 million for the 2026-27 season.

RealGM Basketball - Leonard averaged 28.5 points against the Warriors during the 2019 NBA Finals, earning Finals MVP.

RealGM Basketball - The Clippers finished 42-40 and were eliminated in the play-in tournament last season.

RealGM Basketball - Leonard earned All-NBA second team honors and placed seventh in MVP voting last season.

Pro Football Network - The Mavericks' reported pursuit of Kawhi Leonard has sparked a debate across the NBA, with observers mocking Dallas' rumored trade package.

Pro Football Network - NBA insiders have rejected reports linking the Clippers superstar to a rumored suitor, cooling trade speculation around Kawhi Leonard.

Pro Football Network - The Mavericks' reported pursuit of Kawhi Leonard has sparked a debate across the NBA, with observers mocking Dallas' rumored trade package.

Hoops Rumors - The Clippers are considering operating as a cap-space team and have not ruled out re-signing unrestricted free agent John Collins.

RealGM Basketball - The Raptors are looking to add Brandon Ingram to the deal instead of RJ Barrett, with Gradey Dick mentioned as another player in a potential trade.

Pro Football Network - The Mavericks' reported pursuit of Kawhi Leonard sparked a debate across the NBA, with observers mocking Dallas' rumored trade package.

RealGM Basketball - The Raptors are looking to add Brandon Ingram to the deal instead of RJ Barrett, with Gradey Dick mentioned as another player in a potential trade.

RealGM Basketball - The Clippers would be interested in Ingram as he would keep the team competitive as they move towards a youth movement.

RealGM Basketball - The Los Angeles Clippers have not been actively shopping Kawhi Leonard, according to sources.

Pro Football Network - The Mavericks' reported pursuit of Kawhi Leonard sparked a debate across the NBA, with observers mocking Dallas' rumored trade package.

RealGM Basketball - The Detroit Pistons have also looked into deals that would see them acquire Kawhi Leonard.

RealGM Basketball - The Dallas Mavericks have discussed trading for Kawhi Leonard.

RealGM Basketball - Leonard is entering the final season of his contract at $50.3 million.

RealGM Basketball - Last season, Kawhi Leonard appeared in 65 games for the LA Clippers, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.9 steals with shooting splits of 51/39/89.

Sportskeeda - There is a good chance that Kawhi Leonard might return to the Toronto Raptors via trade.

NY Post - The Clippers have reportedly "had real conversations" about trading Leonard to the Raptors.

WHERE:

Sportskeeda - The Toronto Raptors are the team Leonard might return to.

NY Post - The LA Clippers are the team currently holding Kawhi Leonard.

WHEN:

NY Post - Leonard signed with the Clippers during the 2019 NBA offseason.

WHY:

RealGM Basketball - The Clippers declined to offer Kawhi Leonard a long-term commitment this offseason, leading to serious trade discussions with the Raptors.

RealGM Basketball - Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank stated in April his intention to build around Leonard, saying, "Our plan is to win with Kawhi."

Hoops Rumors - The Clippers are reportedly lukewarm about the trade package the Raptors are prepared to offer for Kawhi Leonard, indicating uncertainty about a potential deal.

Hoops Rumors - The Clippers are reportedly lukewarm about the trade package the Raptors are prepared to offer for Kawhi Leonard.

RealGM Basketball - Leonard's willingness to sign a new contract with the Raptors opened up trade discussions between the two sides.

RealGM Basketball - Leonard has reportedly made it known that he'd consider signing extensions with either the Toronto Raptors or the San Antonio Spurs, but not with the Detroit Pistons. It's unknown how Leonard would see extending with the Mavericks.

RealGM Basketball - Leonard has reportedly made it known that he'd consider signing extensions with either the Toronto Raptors or the San Antonio Spurs, but not with the Pistons. It's unknown how Leonard would see extending with the Mavericks.

RealGM Basketball - Leonard has reportedly made it known that he'd consider signing extensions with either the Toronto Raptors or the San Antonio Spurs, but not with the Detroit Pistons.

NY Post - The Clippers need to figure out what they are going to do with Kawhi Leonard, indicating uncertainty about his future with the team.

HOW:

RealGM Basketball - Should a trade be completed, Leonard would immediately become eligible to sign a two-year, $123.7 million extension with Toronto.

RealGM Basketball - Ujiri has interest in reuniting with Kawhi Leonard after previously trading for him when he was with the Raptors.

NY Post - The Clippers are engaging in discussions regarding a potential trade for Kawhi Leonard.

The Detroit Pistons and Golden State Warriors have shown interest in trading for Kawhi Leonard, who has just one year left on his contract at $50.3 million for the 2026-27 season. Last season, Leonard averaged 28.5 points against the Warriors during the 2019 NBA Finals, where he earned Finals MVP, and he also received All-NBA second team honors while finishing seventh in MVP voting. The Clippers, who were eliminated in the play-in tournament after a 42-40 finish, declined to offer Leonard a long-term commitment this offseason, prompting serious trade discussions with the Raptors, where he could sign a two-year, $123.7 million extension if a deal is finalized.