Clippers and Raptors Agree to Complete Blockbuster Trade Sending Kawhi Leonard to Toronto
On the heels of Steve Ballmer issuing a statement to fans in his behalf and on the behalf of the Clippers organization. Things have now rapidly progressed hours later to Portland and LA’s summer trade finally becoming official. The Clippers and Raptors have agreed to complete the blockbuster trade that would send Kawhi Leonard to Toronto.
Kawhi Leonard’s trade between the Clippers and Raptors, after being on hold almost three months due to a NBA investigation, is officially completed. Leonard’s trade was put on hold by the Toronto Raptors on July 9, 2026, shortly after the two teams initially agreed to terms on June 30. Kawhi now returns to Toronto to form a dynamic wing duo with Scottie Barnes.
ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania reported on the Leonard trade news early Monday afternoon. Charania stated,
“Done deal: The LA Clippers and Raptors have both agreed to complete the trade sending Kawhi Leonard to Toronto for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap and two second-rounders, per ESPN sources. The sides will now schedule a trade call.
The Raptors-Clippers trade was agreed upon on June 30, paused amid the NBA investigation, and now will be processed after the Clippers gave the final sign-off Monday after utilizing the last 13 days to absorb the league’s punishment and work through internal logistics.”
Clippers Change Sentiments Over NBA Penalties
Late Sunday evening, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer declared that his franchise is complying with the NBA’s punishments of the franchise for salary cap circumvention. While also deciding not to pursue any legal action. A much different tune after the Clippers organization on September 2nd had said they,
“Vehemently reject the NBA’s findings, which are the result of a heavily biased investigation seeking to justify a predetermined narrative rather than facts and evidence.
What the league told us privately differs from what it announced today publicly, and they have not held themselves close to the standard Commissioner Silver set at the start of this investigation to ensure it’s fairness and accuracy.
For the past year, we cooperated fully and in good faith and we will now fight just as hard to demonstrate our innocence.
We intend to vigorously challenge these findings and penalties through every avenue available to us and look forward to an ethical and impartial arbitration process.”
However, now LA is accepting all NBA penalties. Los Angeles shall forfeit five first-round draft picks. One in each of the 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, and 2033 NBA Drafts.
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is suspended from all league and team activities for one year. President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker is suspended without pay for one year. Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank is suspended without pay for six months.
Clippers and Raptors Agree to Complete Blockbuster Trade Sending Kawhi Leonard to Toronto
Nevertheless, the Kawhi Leonard trade is completely at the right time. Now it will be officially finalized and all over before training camps begin in two weeks.
According to CP’s Brett Siegel, “Kawhi Leonard is eligible to receive a two-year, near $124 million extension upon officially becoming a member of the Raptors. With the league’s salary cap figures increasing by $2M from original projections. Leonard’s new extension with be with about $126 million over two years through the 2028-29 season. He will put pen to paper on this contract. Coming under contract with the team through the 2028-29 season, when he will be 37 years old.”
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