Leonard Returns To Raptors In Trade With Clippers

Kawhi Leonard set for return to Raptors as Clippers finalize trade

One of the NBA's biggest summer sagas is over. The Clippers are sending Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto, even after the league hit them with a $30 million fine for circumventing salary cap rules.

Kawhi Leonard returns to Toronto 6 years after leading Raptors to 2019 title...

Several U.S. outlets reported Monday that the Clippers are putting the finishing touches on Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto, bringing a long-running offseason storyline to an end despite league penalties.

Los Angeles and Toronto agreed to the deal in June, but the NBA put it on hold amid an investigation into whether the Clippers circumvented cap rules in payments to Leonard.

The league issued its punishment in early September, fining the Clippers $30 million and stripping them of their first five first-round picks from 2029 through 2033.

Owner Steve Ballmer announced Sunday that the team would abide by the sanctions and had paid the fine. The absence of a transfer ban means Leonard is free to return to Toronto, where he won the 2019 championship.

The league penalized the Clippers over arrangements involving four business partners that funneled millions to Leonard and his entourage. Under the CBA, teams cannot connect sponsors to players as that counts as indirect compensation.

Done deal: The LA Clippers and Raptors have both agreed to complete the trade sending Kawhi Leonard to Toronto for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap and two second-rounders, per ESPN sources. The sides will now schedule a… pic.twitter.com/c0lk5xUGJG

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 14, 2026

Leonard arrived in Toronto in 2018 via trade from the Spurs, the franchise he won a title with in 2014. After delivering Toronto its 2019 championship, the 7-time All-Star headed to the Clippers, but has battled injuries since.