Kawhi Leonard Returns to Toronto as Clippers Trade Him to the Raptors

The Clippers and Raptors have finalized a blockbuster trade that will send Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto, according to sources.

The teams will now schedule a trade call to complete the deal, which was initially agreed on June 30 but was placed on hold while the NBA investigated the Clippers for salary‑cap circumvention. The league’s investigation resulted in severe penalties for Los Angeles, including the loss of five future first‑round picks, a $30 million fine, and a one‑year suspension of owner Steve Ballmer.

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The Clippers’ punishment followed a nearly year‑long investigation that found a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant violations of salary‑cap rules by the franchise, a repeat offender.

Los Angeles will receive Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first‑round picks, a first‑round pick swap and two second‑round selections in the trade, which will now be processed after the Clippers resolved the league’s disciplinary actions.

Leonard helped the Raptors capture their first NBA championship in 2019 before joining the Clippers in free agency the following summer.

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