Toronto Raptors Confirm Multi-Year Extension for Kawhi Leonard
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The Raptors secure the star forward with a deal reported to be worth $115 million over two years following a complex trade with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Toronto Raptors confirmed Wednesday that they have signed a multi-year extension with star forward Kawhi Leonard, according to Global News Toronto. While the team did not disclose the financial specifics of the agreement, ESPN reported the extension is a two-year, US$115-million deal that includes a player option for the 2028-29 season. ESPN cited Leonard’s agent, Harrison Gaines, for these details.
The extension follows a three-year, $149.5-million contract that Leonard is completing this season. Leonard's return to Toronto comes via a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers agreed to in June, though Global News Toronto reports the deal was not finalized until earlier this month due to an NBA investigation into the Clippers and Leonard for salary-cap circumvention.
In exchange for the 35-year-old, the Raptors sent L.A. forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, a 2027 first-round pick swap, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, and two second-round picks.
NBA insider Kevin O’Connor told Sportsnet that the extension represents a move with both risk and upside, though he characterized the decision as worthwhile. Leonard, a seven-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA champion, averaged 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game last season with the Clippers.