7x All-NBA Kawhi Leonard Made Bold Raptors Decision After Pistons, Timberwolves Trade Push
· Yahoo Sports
NBA star Kawhi Leonard is finally back with the Toronto Raptors after the Los Angeles Clippers trade was approved. The league’s investigation into the Clippers halted a June trade that would have sent Leonard back to the Raptors. On Monday, the trade became official, and Toronto welcomed him back on X.
Visit asg-reflektory.pl for more information.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, there were other teams interested in trading for Leonard. Charania said the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Detroit Pistons tried to trade for the seven-time All-Star. However, the star forward wanted to do what’s best for his legacy and boldly decided to return to Toronto.
Jan 26, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles the ball against Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports“This is a complete legacy play for Kawhi,” Charania said on TSN. “There were teams — Detroit, Minnesota — others that had interest in trading for him, that wanted to trade for him, that wanted to give him an extension.
The Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly tried to trade for Kawhi Leonard and were willing to offer him an extension, but he felt Toronto was better for his legacy, per @ShamsCharania
“This is a complete legacy play for Kawhi. There were teams — Detroit,… pic.twitter.com/mPfsZGaPvd
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 15, 2026
“But he made a decision because he had one year left on his deal to essentially weed out where he wanted to play, where he wanted to be. And so this is a legacy play for Kawhi Leonard. There’s no doubt about it.”
Reports indicate the Raptors are open to offering Kawhi Leonard a new contract extension, which is one reason he was interested in returning. Leonard also intends to retire as a member of the Toronto team.
Before his Clippers stint, Leonard spent one season with the Raptors. Although it was only for one year, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year was impactful. He led the franchise to its first NBA championship and received his second Finals MVP award.
Raptors Release a Statement After the Kawhi Leonard Trade Finally Happens
It was a long wait for the Raptors, but they finally have Kawhi Leonard. On Tuesday, the team’s general manager and executive vice-president Bobby Webster released a statement regarding Leonard’s return.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Kawhi back to Toronto. His impact on our organization, our city, and our country is undeniable, and he embodies the competitiveness and championship mindset that we value,” he stated.
The trade is now official: Kawhi Leonard is once again a Toronto Raptor. https://t.co/Ph7nkUqdFxpic.twitter.com/uCexJPAtSg
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) September 15, 2026
The Raptors believe they have what it takes to become a competitive team with Leonard. He forms a new dynamic duo with two-time All-Star Scottie Barnes. With the new frontcourt tandem, Toronto is projected to win at least 45 to 50 games in the 2026-27 season.
Although Leonard is 35, he’s still viewed as a massive difference-maker for the Raptors. In his final season with the Clippers, he appeared in 65 games, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists. The veteran star was also named to the All-NBA second team.
More NBA News: