Kawhi Leonard Returns to Raptors in Blockbuster Clippers Trade
After the NBA completed its investigation and issued a punishment against the LA Clippers, the organization officially traded star forward Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors.
The two teams had initially agreed to the move on June 30, but it was put on hold as the NBA conducted its investigation into the Clippers’ alleged violation of the salary cap rules when the team signed Leonard in free agency.
With that now completed, the Clippers and Raptors revisited the original terms of the trade and went through with it on Monday. LA is sending Leonard to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round selections, one first-round pick swap, and two second-round selections.
Leonard also waived his $7.45 million trade kicker to help facilitate the trade. Without it, the trade bonus would have put Toronto above the first apron cap, but now they sit $2.3 million below that mark.
The move gives the Raptors a proven star who can lead the charge alongside star forward Scottie Barnes. The core group also features RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley leading the backcourt.
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Toronto could elevate itself to become one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference and challenge the reigning NBA champion, the New York Knicks.
Leonard is still playing at an elite level after putting together another highly productive campaign, finishing sixth in the league with 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting 50.5 percent from the floor and 38.7 percent from beyond the arc over 65 games.
