Kawhi Leonard is headed back to the place where he cemented his NBA legacy.
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According to ESPN, the Clippers are finalizing a blockbuster trade that will send the two-time Finals MVP back to the Raptors, the franchise he led to its first NBA championship in 2019.
Toronto is sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, a first-round pick swap and two second-round selections to Los Angeles in the deal, sources told ESPN.
Leonard spent just one season with the Raptors after arriving in a 2018 trade from the Spurs, but it proved unforgettable. He averaged 26.6 points during the regular season before authoring one of the greatest postseason runs in NBA history, earning Finals MVP honors as Toronto defeated Golden State for the franchise's first championship.
ESPN reports Leonard was open to returning to Toronto because of his familiarity with the organization, his appreciation for the city and his belief that the Raptors can contend in the Eastern Conference.
The 35-year-old is entering the final season of his current contract and would become eligible to sign a two-year extension with Toronto.
The move also signals a dramatic shift for the Clippers.
After spending much of the past six seasons building around Leonard, Los Angeles now pivots toward a younger core while adding former All-Star Brandon Ingram, promising wing Gradey Dick and significant draft capital.
Leonard is coming off one of his healthiest and most productive seasons with the Clippers, averaging 27.9 points while appearing in 65 regular-season games. Despite his strong play, Los Angeles finished 42-40 and failed to reach the playoffs after losing in the Play-In Tournament.
Toronto, meanwhile, is making an aggressive push to return to contender status in the East after winning just one playoff series since Leonard departed in free agency following the 2019 title run.
