Kawhi Leonard Reflects on Leaving Raptors for Clippers, Loses Millions

WHO:

Pro Football Network - Gilbert Arenas criticized the Raptors for giving up too much in the trade for Kawhi Leonard, labeling it a "gamble."

RealGM Basketball - Kawhi Leonard was an All-NBA selection for the seventh time in his career.

RealGM Basketball - Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors are nearing agreement on a contract extension.

NY Post - Kawhi Leonard is a forward for the LA Clippers.

Pro Football Network - Gilbert Arenas is a 3-time NBA All-Star who commented on the trade.

WHAT:

Pro Football Network - Kawhi Leonard is set to sign a two-year, $126 million contract extension after his trade to the Raptors.

RealGM Basketball - Kawhi Leonard can sign for up to $126 million over two seasons in addition to his $50.3 million salary for the 2026-27 season.

NY Post - Kawhi Leonard is officially a Raptor following the trade from the LA Clippers.

Pro Football Network - Kawhi Leonard is set to sign a two-year, $126 million contract extension after his trade to the Raptors.

RealGM Basketball - Kawhi Leonard can sign for up to $126 million over two seasons in addition to his $50.3 million salary for the 2026-27 season.

RealGM Basketball - During the 2025-26 season, Kawhi Leonard averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals.

NY Post - Kawhi Leonard stated, “I’m not really championship chasing trying to find the best team I could win (with),” during an appearance on the Raptors’ Open Gym YouTube channel.

NY Post - Kawhi Leonard was traded from the LA Clippers to the Toronto Raptors.

NY Post - Kawhi Leonard surrendered more than $7 million to leave the country as part of the trade.

NY Post - The Clippers were punished with the loss of five first-round picks and a $30 million fine due to salary cap circumvention rules.

WHERE:

NY Post - The trade involved the LA Clippers and the Toronto Raptors.

WHEN:

NY Post - The trade of Kawhi Leonard to Toronto occurred in June.

WHY:

NY Post - Kawhi Leonard stated, “I didn’t want to put on a thousand jerseys. The city took me in, and I appreciate that.”

Pro Football Network - Kawhi Leonard's explanation for returning to Toronto has sparked strong reactions from NBA fans.

RealGM Basketball - The contract extension has long been expected to be signed this offseason.

Pro Football Network - Gilbert Arenas criticized the Raptors for giving up too much in the trade for Kawhi Leonard, labeling it a "gamble."

NY Post - The Clippers' punishment was a result of the NBA's investigation into salary cap circumvention rules.

HOW:

NY Post - The Clippers' trade deal was put on hold amid the NBA's investigation.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 08:58 UTC)

Kawhi Leonard is preparing to sign a two-year contract extension worth $126 million following his trade to the Raptors. This deal will add to his already impressive $50.3 million salary for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Leonard expressed his gratitude to the city, saying, “I didn’t want to put on a thousand jerseys. The city took me in, and I appreciate that.”

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 22:58 UTC)

Kawhi Leonard is officially a Raptor after being traded from the LA Clippers, and he is set to sign a two-year, $126 million contract extension with the team. However, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas criticized the trade, claiming the Raptors gave up too much and calling it a "gamble." Leonard's reasoning for returning to Toronto has also ignited strong reactions among NBA fans.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 20:00 UTC)

Kawhi Leonard has been named an All-NBA selection for the seventh time in his career, marking another significant achievement for the star player. Following his recent trade to the Raptors, he is poised to sign a two-year contract extension worth $126 million. Leonard's reasons for returning to Toronto have ignited strong reactions among NBA fans, highlighting the excitement surrounding his move.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 16:59 UTC)

Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors are close to finalizing a contract extension that could be worth up to $126 million over two seasons, in addition to his current salary of $50.3 million for the 2026-27 season. During the previous season, Leonard showcased his skills by averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. This extension has been anticipated to be signed during the offseason, marking a significant moment for both the player and the team.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 13:06 UTC)

Kawhi Leonard recently expressed that he isn't focused on "championship chasing" or seeking out the best team to win with during an appearance on the Raptors’ Open Gym YouTube channel. Meanwhile, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas has criticized the Raptors for what he sees as an excessive price paid in the trade for Leonard, calling it a "gamble." These comments highlight the ongoing discussions surrounding Leonard's impact on the team and the risks involved in the trade.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 11:59 UTC)

Kawhi Leonard, a forward for the LA Clippers, has been traded to the Toronto Raptors, surrendering more than $7 million to make the move. This trade comes as the Clippers face significant penalties, including the loss of five first-round picks and a $30 million fine, due to violations of salary cap circumvention rules. The deal was initially put on hold while the NBA conducted its investigation into these matters.