Kawhi Leonard’s Raptors return moves toward extension talks with new agent

Kawhi Leonard is expected to discuss a contract extension with the Toronto Raptors after his reported trade from the LA Clippers is finalized. ESPN reports that Leonard has hired Harrison Gaines of SLASH Sports as his new agent for those talks.

The reported deal would send Leonard to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected future first-round picks, a first-round pick swap and two second-round selections. Leonard has one season and $50.3 million left on his current contract and, according to ESPN, could become eligible for a two-year extension worth up to $123.7 million.

A return to Toronto would carry obvious historical weight. Leonard led the Raptors to their 2019 championship and won Finals MVP, and ESPN Research notes that he would join a small group of NBA champions who left a team and later reunited with it.

The report also frames Leonard’s preference for Toronto as a major factor in the trade market, while noting that several elements remain source-based and pending final confirmation. Separate from the trade, the NBA’s investigation involving the Clippers, Leonard and an endorsement arrangement remains unresolved, with both Leonard and team owner Steve Ballmer denying wrongdoing.