New Kawhi Leonard Rumors on 'Trade Kicker' That's Still 'Undetermined' in Raptors-Clippers Deal

While the broad terms are set, the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors are finalizing the finer details of the trade headlined by Kawhi Leonard.

The Clippers are reportedly sending Leonard to the Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and draft compensation. The swap isn't yet official.

According to The Athletic's Eric Koreen, "the matter of Leonard's trade kicker is still undetermined."

The seven-time All-Star can receive a 15 percent trade bonus. While the Clippers have to pay that out, it counts against the Raptors' payroll. That's a problem when acquiring Leonard hard-caps Toronto for the 2026-27 season.

Koreen laid out the team's dilemma: "As of now, Leonard isn't in a position to accept his trade kicker because Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and Poeltl have $6.5 million worth of incentives that count toward the hard cap, even if they are not ultimately reached, per The Athletic's John Hollinger."

Ingram and Marc Gasol both waived their trade kickers when they got traded to Toronto. Leonard could do the same, though that would mean forgoing a payout of more than $7 million.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported the Raptors and Leonard are expected to begin negotiating an extension. Right now, he can re-sign for as much as $124 million over two years.

A new contract could theoretically account for the trade bonus if the two-time Finals MVP does Toronto a bit of a favor.

In the event that happens, the Raptors still won't have a lot of financial flexibility to fill out the rest of the roster.