No, your eyes do not deceive you, and you haven’t time travelled back to 2018. Kawhi Leonard, the 2-time Finals MVP will be returned to the Toronto Raptors in a blockbuster trade.
In exchange for a package
of Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, 2 first round picks, 2 second round picks, and a single pick swap, as the Clippers are apparently relinquishing the former Raptor back to the franchise where he won his second championship. Kawhi will slot into the frontcourt alongside Scottie Barnes, bridging two generations of Raptor greatness, with Barnes having led the team to the playoff for the first time since 2022 this past year.
The Raptors have immediately upgraded both their offence and defence, gaining a score-first forward who now leads the team in points per games. Leonard, now 34, will bring veteran presence and championship DNA to the roster, while complimenting a roster that was lacking number one offensive option. In doing this, the Raptors have mortgaged 2 of their first round picks alongside one of their two All-Stars, fundamentally changing and upgrading the franchise.
