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Clippers cut ties with Kawhi Leonard in Raptors trade
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The LA Clippers had been engaged in trade talks with the Toronto Raptors in recent days about a trade that would send star Kawhi Leonard back to the franchise he helped lead to its first NBA Championship. On Tuesday, both teams decided to pull the trigger on a deal.
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The Clippers have agreed to trade two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard back to the Raptors in exchange for a package of Brandon Ingram , Gradey Dick , two first-round picks, one first round pick swap and 2 second-rounders, league sources told ClutchPoints. ESPN was first to report the news.
LA had been receiving multiple calls and inquiries about Kawhi Leonard's availability in trades, but the Clippers had been rebuffing them as the offers were described as, "underwhelming," and, "one-sided." But the Raptors increased their offer for Leonard as Tuesday progressed and the Clippers took what they felt was maximum value for Leonard.
League sources told ClutchPoints on Tuesday morning that the Raptors' package featured Brandon Ingram , Gradey Dick, and one first-round pick. That portion of the framework was been agreed upon, per sources, but the Clippers wanted more draft compensation.
LA and Toronto had been negotiating for days, and the Raptors eventually offered enough to get the Clippers to agree to the deal. ClutchPoints Brett Siegel reports that the picks the Clippers are receiving are a first round pick in 2031 and 2033, as well as pick swap in 2027. The second round picks are in 2030 and 2033.
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Retaining Leonard has been expressed by President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank as the Clippers' top priority. This has been known since their season ended in the play-in tournament, but LA had wanted to do so on their terms financially. From Leonard's perspective, his camp had been pushing for a full two-year max extension, valued slightly higher than $120 million. The Raptors were a team willing to give Leonard the contract extension he was looking for.
The Clippers have been cognizant of their financial situation as the navigate salary cap and apron hardships in what is a restrictive CBA. That's been reflected in recent years when faced with possible contract negotiations with star players. James Harden was the most recent example of this, as he requested a trade in February after failing to receive a commitment from the Clippers on a new, multi-year contract.
Paul George also left as an unrestricted free agent in 2024 after the Clippers were unwilling to offer more than a three-year contract valued at around $150 million, instead choosing the Philadelphia 76ers and their four-year, $212 million max offer.
Leonard will now join a Raptors team coming off a strong regular season, but a disappointing playoff exit in which they lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7. With Scottie Barnes turning into a two-way star, complementary pieces like RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley , as well as promising young players like Collin Murray-Boyles and Ja'Kobe Walters, Toronto could make a push for another championship in the Eastern Conference.
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At age 35, Kawhi Leonard is coming off of the best season of his NBA career, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three in 65 appearances.
The Clippers, meanwhile, will be able to stay somewhat competitive as they bring in Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and a number of future draft assets to restock their shelves after their trades with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers.
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