A reunion between Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors could be back on the table, with new reports suggesting mutual interest between the former NBA champions and the veteran forward.
Key Takeaways:
- Kawhi Leonard would reportedly consider signing an extension if traded to either the Toronto Raptors or San Antonio Spurs.
- The Raptors are said to have genuine interest in reuniting with Leonard as they look to strengthen their roster around Scottie Barnes.
- Leonard enters the final guaranteed year of his Clippers contract, making his long-term future in Los Angeles a major talking point.
- The six-time All-Star is coming off a career-best scoring season, averaging 27.9 points across 65 games during the 2025-26 campaign.
Raptors emerge as potential landing spot
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Leonard would be willing to sign a contract extension if he were traded to Toronto. Fischer added that the Raptors and the San Antonio Spurs are the only two teams outside the Los Angeles Clippers that Leonard would currently consider committing to long term.
While a return to San Antonio appears less likely given the franchise's new era led by Victor Wembanyama, Toronto is reportedly exploring win-now options after returning to the playoffs as the Eastern Conference's sixth seed.
Toronto looking to build around Scottie Barnes
The Raptors are believed to be searching for a proven star to complement franchise cornerstone Scottie Barnes, with Leonard viewed as one of several high-profile targets. Leonard famously led Toronto to its first NBA championship in 2019 before departing in free agency for the Clippers. Bringing him back would instantly boost the Raptors' championship ambitions if a trade could be negotiated.
Meanwhile, Leonard is entering the final guaranteed season of his current contract and will earn $50.3 million during the 2026-27 campaign. He also becomes eligible to sign an extension beginning July 6, adding another layer of intrigue to his future.
Leonard still performing at an elite level
Despite turning 34, Leonard remains one of the NBA's premier two-way stars and is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. He averaged a career-high 27.9 points per game in 65 appearances during the 2025-26 season, while also contributing 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals per contest.
Perhaps most importantly, Leonard stayed relatively healthy throughout the campaign, easing concerns over his recent injury history and reminding the league that he remains capable of transforming a championship contender when available.
