Kawhi Leonard will aim to secure a contract extension after an offseason trade sent him to the Toronto Raptors.
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ESPN's sources say that the veteran baller has hired Harrison Gaines of SLASH Sports as his new agent. Gaines will reportedly oversee the contract negotiations, which should begin this week with the trade becoming official on July 6.
This trade went down on June 30. The Clippers sent Leonard to the Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, a 2027 first-round pick, an unprotected 2031 first-round pick, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, a 2030 second-round pick, and a 2033 second-round pick.
Leonard previously had Mitch Frankel negotiating contracts, which included a three-year, $149.51 million extension with the Los Angeles Clippers in January 2024. The 35-year-old was set to enter the final season of this extension before the trade to the Raptors.
This trade marks a reunion for the California native. He previously spent one season with the Raptors in 2018, but he made a major impact.
Leonard averaged 26.6 points and 7.3 rebounds during the regular season. He then led the league with 24 games played during the playoffs. He averaged 30.5 points and 9.1 rebounds as the Raptors went on a 16-8 run to win the NBA title for the first time.
The Raptors took out the Magic in the first round, the 76ers in the second round, the Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals, and then the Warriors in the NBA Finals. Leonard won NBA Finals MVP while leading the team to greatness.
The 2018-19 season marked the second time that the veteran player had won the NBA title. He previously captured the title in 2013-14 while playing for the San Antonio Spurs. Leonard won NBA Finals MVP that season as well.
Now that he is back with the Raptors, the goal will be to recreate that magical 2018-19 run. Taking care of the contract extension will be a pivotal part of this process.
