Kawhi Leonard Says Scottie Barnes 'Going to Be a Problem,' Hypes Raptors Roster After Clippers Trade

Kawhi Leonard was an admirer of Scottie Barnes' game before his reunion with the Toronto Raptors this summer.

The Raptors shared a video of Leonard touching down in Toronto following his trade from the Los Angeles Clippers. The seven-time All-Star also offered his initial thoughts on the roster, saying "this group played great last year" (6:20 mark).

On Barnes, Leonard said the 25-year-old wing is "going to be a problem this coming year."

Kawhi also singled out forward Collin Murray-Boyles and guard Jamal Shead.

Much like when they acquired him in 2018, the Raptors are counting on Leonard to get them to a different level. They lost in the first round of the 2026 playoffs and missed the postseason altogether in the three seasons before that.

Something needed to change, and Toronto's ceiling is much higher after swapping Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick for Leonard.

The front office and coaching staff might also be hopeful about the two-time NBA Finals MVP potentially bringing the best out of Barnes, who has plateaued a bit.

Barnes averaged 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists in 2025-26. He earned his second All-Star nod and was a second team All-Defensive honoree.

But Barnes hasn't had a superstar-type breakthrough. He's yet to make an All-NBA team or receive a single MVP vote.

As much as is expected of Leonard in the short term, Barnes is the Raptors' future. They'll find themselves in a similar predicament in a few years if he continues to be a very good rather than elite two-way player.