Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has dominated headlines this offseason following reports of a potential trade this summer.
The rumors surrounding Leonard intensified over the past week after reports from Jake Fischer indicated that the Los Angeles Clippers and the Raptors have held “real trade conversations” about bringing the two-time Finals MVP back to Toronto.
Fischer reported that Toronto would prefer to build a package around Brandon Ingram rather than RJ Barrett, but the two sides continue to explore different frameworks as discussions continue.
Amid the growing speculation, Grammy award-winning artiste Drake appeared to weigh in himself. On Tuesday, the Toronto rapper posted a black-and-white photo of himself alongside Leonard on his Instagram Stories with the caption:
“So is it KawhiYZ season again.”
The post immediately sparked excitement among Raptors fans, many of whom interpreted it as Drake embracing the possibility of Leonard returning to the franchise that captured its first NBA championship with him in 2019.
Leonard remains one of the most beloved athletes in Toronto sports history despite spending just one season with the Raptors. After arriving in a blockbuster trade from the San Antonio Spurs in 2018, he led Toronto to a 58-win season before averaging 30.5 points during the playoffs.
His iconic Game 7 buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals remains one of the defining clutch moments in NBA history, and he ultimately guided the Raptors to their first NBA title while earning his second NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award.
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Drake and Leonard have maintained a friendly relationship since that championship run. Leonard made a surprise cameo in the music video for Drake’s 2021 hit “Way 2 Sexy,” appearing alongside fellow former Raptors forward OG Anunoby. Drake also referenced Leonard on his Billboard Top 10 single “National Treasures,” rapping:
“We must’ve been dealin’ in spur of the moment/ ’Cuh why (Kawhi) did we think you could get us a ring?”
“G Pop sent us a real one from Daygo And next thing we knew, we was doin’ parades.”
Many fans interpreted the lyric as both a tribute to Leonard’s championship season and a subtle jab at former Raptors star DeMar DeRozan, whose close friendship with Drake cooled after DeRozan later aligned himself publicly with Kendrick Lamar during Lamar’s feud with Drake.
ALSO SEE: Poll: Should the Clippers Trade Kawhi Leonard?
Update: At 2:41 pm ET, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Clippers traded Leonard to the Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap and two second-rounders.
