Kawhi Leonard is going back to Canada.
The Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly finalizing a blockbuster trade to send Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Clippers will receive Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, a pick swap, and two second-rounders for the seven-time All-Star.
If completed, Leonard will return to the Raptors seven years after delivering the franchise its first and only championship. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year spent just one season with Toronto before joining the Clippers as a free agent.
Fans react to reported Leonard trade
The NBA world responded to more major news ahead of Tuesday night's start to free agency. Onlookers are excited about Leonard returning to Toronto.
"The fit here is awesome, Kawhi is still insanely good and getting off of Ingram + his contract justifies the draft compensation Toronto's giving up," Carson Breber wrote. "Toronto was already good, but needed more high-end talent to contend. Now they arguably have two Top 15 players. This is cool."
"WELCOME HOME CHAMP," William Lou wrote.
"Feels like a rare mutually beneficial trade," Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports said. "Raptors increase their chances of contention, add an elite scorer who doesn't sacrifice their defensive DNA. It's a lot to give for 35 year old Kawhi, but worth the swing. But for the Clippers, you sold high and move on. Time to build with a young, fun team. Makes sense for both teams."
"That is an absolutely titanic deal for the Raptors," Yahoo's Dan Devine wrote. "Good Lord."
"Can lightning strike twice? That'll be the biggest question for Kawhi and the Raptors," The Athletic's Esfandiar Baraheni said. "Unbelievable story. He's back."
"This offseason is crazy and free agency hasn’t even started yet," an NBA fan declared.
Leonard's return
Seven years ago, Leonard cemented his place in Raptors lore by averaging 30.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game during a spectacular postseason. His Game 7 buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers sent Toronto to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Leonard didn't reach those same legendary heights in Los Angeles. He missed all of the 2021-22 season and played 301 games in the other six seasons with the Clippers, who haven't advanced past the first round in five years.
The 35-year-old will seek a return to glory with the Raptors, who went 46-36 last season. Leonard will join a new-look roster alongside rising young star Scottie Barnes.
