New Kawhi Leonard Trade Rumors Reveal 'Real' Clippers-Raptors Talks, Potential Return Package

It sounds like star forward Kawhi Leonard could be getting closer to returning to the Eastern Conference.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Los Angeles Clippers have held "real trade conversations" this weekend with the Toronto Raptors about sending Leonard back to his old franchise. Leonard led the Raptors to an NBA championship in 2019 before signing with the Clippers that offseason.

Fischer added that Toronto "has expressed a preference in dealing Brandon Ingram to Los Angeles, as opposed to RJ Barrett."

A source told Sportsnet's Michael Grange that talks have been "pretty preliminary" and that nothing is "close."

Another source told Grange: ""The Clippers are willing to move him … and I think a lot of teams are wary of acquiring Kawhi because you just don't know if he's going to play … there's risk there, obviously. Toronto had him, and so maybe feels more comfortable that he would play for them, could play for them."

Last week, Fischer reported that Leonard would prefer to remain with the Clippers, and the team is "undeniably determined to keep" the two-way star. However, he added that the Raptors and San Antonio Spurs are the only teams Leonard would consider signing a long-term deal with should he be traded. The 2026-27 season is the final year of his current contract.

Grange reported Leonard is unlikely to get an extension with the Clippers and is looking for a team that will commit to him for the future.

The Raptors went 46-36 last season and earned a playoff spot for the first time since 2022. Toronto lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a hard-fought seven-game series, but it appears that the team is trending in the right direction.

Barrett tied with Scottie Barnes for the team lead with 24.1 points per game in the first-round series against the Cavs. He also added a team-high 7.0 rebounds with 4.0 assists and 1.3 steals. Ingram, who suffered a foot injury near the end of the regular season, played in five of the seven games against Cleveland and averaged just 12.0 ppg, a steep drop from his team-leading 21.5 ppg in the regular season.

Leonard would undoubtedly be an upgrade over Ingram in Toronto's lineup, but the Raptors would likely have to sweeten their offer if they want to convince the Clippers to deal away the seven-time All-Star.