Seven years ago, Toronto Raptors fans witnessed something most won’t experience in their lifetime: a championship. The 2019 Raptors were built on heart, faith, and, most of all, risks. Led by Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry and Marc Gasol, the team brought home a Larry O’ Brien Trophy. But then, that elation faded. The then three-time All Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year signed with his hometown LA Clippers to join forces with Paul George.
The totality of that era can be defined as disappointing. Two playoffs runs past the first round, a conference finals appearance, and no trips to the NBA Finals. For all the hype surrounding the Clippers’ roster, it’s depressing how things fared.
With this past season over, all eyes were on Leonard’s future in the City of Angels, and now, everything changes. Reported Tuesday by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Clippers have agreed to send Kawhi Leonard back to the Raptors in exchange for two-time All Star Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, two second-rounders and a pick swap.
Kawhi Leonard Heading Back to Toronto in Blockbuster Trade
So Long, Brandon Ingram
Ingram’s one year stint with the Raptors was memorable for the most part. Despite the lackluster run this past postseason against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Ingram was a 20+ point per game scorer, an All Star, and redefined what it meant to be a mid-range shooter in Ontario, Canada.
Ingram is now on his fourth team in his career and third in four years. With this acquisition close to being finalized, the two-time All Star heads back to where it all started: Los Angeles. Not to mention, he is on a three-year, $120 million extension, which includes a player option in the 2027-28 season. It’s a hefty contract considering the severity of the second apron.
Scottie Barnes Receives Help From “The Claw”
Since being drafted in 2021, Scottie Barnes has been a pivotal piece of the Toronto Raptors’ culture and roster. Being mentored by Leonard can elevate Barnes’ game, possibly reaching All-NBA for the first time in his career.
It’s hard not to believe that Barnes and Leonard not only will make each other better, but also learn from one another.
One area Toronto struggled with this season was 3-point shooting. Leonard fixes that. Last year, on a 42-win Clippers roster, he played in 65 games, the most since 2023-24, and shot 38.7% from deep. This contribution helped the Clippers tally a 36.8% mark from three (7th in the league), compared to Toronto’s 35.4% (21st).
All in all, the Raptors’ new core is one to look forward to this upcoming season.
Toronto Gets Rid of Gradey Dick
Since the former Kansas Jayhawk was drafted in 2023, Dick has regressed significantly due to a lack of playing time and loss of confidence. A rookie whose future was brighter than ever and was the shooter Toronto hoped for is now gone. When the postseason became tougher in the Raptors’ case, Dick barely appeared on the hardwood, forcing other players to overshadow his role.
The former 13th overall pick now lands on a young Clippers roster where he will be able to further develop his game.
RJ Barrett Stays Put
The NBA offseason can put a wild spin on trade rumors for talented players. RJ Barrett is no different. After a memorable postseason, there was no doubt franchises would be interested in trading for the former third overall pick. But to think that Toronto would agree to trade him elsewhere is the anatomy of insanity.
Barrett now stays in Toronto alongside some of the better forwards in the league in Barnes and Leonard.
The Last Word
Leonard returning to Toronto is very exciting for the future of Toronto basketball. The 2020s have been quite a roller coaster for the Raptors. They went from being the laughingstock of the NBA to finally getting over the hump, thanks to the acquisition of the 2014 Finals MVP.
However, the Raptors look vastly different from the last time Leonard was with them. President Masai Ujiri is now leading the Dallas Mavericks. Plus, Leonard has a new head coach in Siberian defensive mastermind Darko Rajaković instead of Nick Nurse. Optimism is key for the Raptors going into this season, and on paper, the Raptors’ win percentage could drastically rise.
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