Despite a report that Kawhi Leonard would be open to signing an extension with the Toronto Raptors if traded, the likelihood of a reunion remains low due to past comments and ongoing controversies. The Raptors are exploring major trades but may not land The Klaw.
Report of Interest in Reunion
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on June 25, 2026, that league sources say Leonard would be willing to sign an extension with the Raptors if traded there. Fischer posted on X: “While Kawhi Leonard’s preference is to remain with the Clippers, league sources say the two-time Finals MVP would be open to signing an extension with Toronto, amid the Raptors’ own interest in reuniting with Leonard.”
Fischer elaborated on The Stein Line, stating that Toronto had “registered interest” in trying to re-acquire Leonard, even after news of LaMelo Ball’s trade to Minnesota. “One source briefed on the subject insisted Thursday… that the Raptors would have interest in trying to lure The Klaw back to Canada ‘regardless of LaMelo.’”
Why the Rumors Don’t Add Up
When Leonard was traded to Toronto in 2018, former Raptors guard Fred VanVleet revealed that Leonard told teammates from Day 1: “I ain’t staying here.” VanVleet said on a podcast in December 2025: “He said it from day one… ‘I don’t know why they traded for me. I don’t want to be here. I’m not staying here.’” This history contradicts the idea that Leonard would now be open to staying in Toronto.
Leonard also remains entangled in the Aspiration scandal, involving alleged under-the-table payments from the Clippers. Reports from September 2025 indicate Leonard received $28 million as part of a “no-show” deal with climate company Aspiration, potentially circumventing the salary cap. The NBA’s investigation is ongoing.
Leonard has one year left on his three-year, $149 million US contract with the Clippers, earning $50.3 million this season before free agency. He is also reportedly open to signing with the San Antonio Spurs if traded there, but not with the Detroit Pistons or Atlanta Hawks, who have also expressed interest.
Raptors’ Trade Exploration
Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said on a media call after the NBA draft that the team wants to make a big splash. “We’ve been stockpiling… having a lot of assets… but yeah, at a certain point we want to be a participant in the trade market.” The Raptors were reportedly in talks for LaMelo Ball before he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves on June 25, 2026, in a deal involving Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three pick swaps, and three second-round picks.
Leonard’s Current Performance
Despite turning 35, Leonard averaged a career-high 27.9 points per game, along with 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 65 games for the Clippers during the 2025-26 season. He finished seventh in MVP voting and was named to the All-NBA second team.
