The Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors are in advanced stages of a landscape-altering trade involving superstar forward Kawhi Leonard
Toronto is sending forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap, and two second-round choices to Los Angeles
The move marks a monumental homecoming for Leonard, who famously steered the Raptors to their first and only NBA championship in 2019
In an absolute shockwave to the NBA landscape, the man who brought the Larry O’Brien trophy to Canada is heading back north. According to a breaking report from ESPN’s Shams Charania on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Clippers are finalizing a multi-player, draft-heavy blockbuster deal that will send two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors.
The trade framework marks one of the most audacious front-office pivots of the 2026 offseason. To secure the 34-year-old superstar, the Raptors are completely reconfiguring their roster foundation. Heading to Los Angeles is forward Brandon Ingram, young sharpshooter Gradey Dick, alongside a heavy chest of future draft capital: two first-round draft picks, a premium first-round pick swap, and two additional second-round selections.
For Toronto, the acquisition is a high-stakes roll of the dice rooted in pure franchise nostalgia and championship ambition. Leonard’s lone season in Toronto (2018-19) remains legendary—an iconic “one-and-done” run where he averaged 28.5 points in the postseason, hit “The Shot” against Philadelphia, and secured the franchise’s lone NBA title before departing for his hometown Clippers in free agency. While health concerns have historically capped his total games played over his seven subsequent seasons in Los Angeles, Leonard’s status as an uncompromised, tier-one playoff ceiling-raiser instantly places Toronto back into Eastern Conference contention.
Meanwhile, the Clippers utilize the transaction to elegantly transition out of an era that never quite reached its ultimate championship aspirations. By acquiring Brandon Ingram, Los Angeles secures a versatile, 28-year-old scoring forward capable of instantly filling the perimeter offensive vacuum. Alongside Ingram, the Clippers gain the 22-year-old developmental upside of Gradey Dick, providing much-needed youth and floor-spacing, while simultaneously stocking their bare draft cupboard with vital future draft flexibility.
BREAKING: The Los Angeles Clippers are nearing deal sending Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, 2 first-round picks, 1 pick swap and 2 second-rounders, sources tell ESPN. A return to Canada for the Raptors champion and two-time Finals MVP. pic.twitter.com/VovqGw5qS6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2026
