In exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and multiple draft picks, the Raptors are set to acquire Kawhi Leonard
The Los Angeles Clippers are trading Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors in a highly anticipated trade ahead of the 2026-2027 NBA season. The trade package includes Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one pick swap and two second-round picks.
Ingram was acquired by the Raptors in February 2025 and signed a three-year, $120 million extension. He averaged 21.5 points and 5.8 rebounds last season and even made the All-Star team before suffering from a heel injury.
Dick was the No. 13 overall pick in 2023, averaging just 14 minutes per game last season, a significant drop from his previous two seasons. After a promising run and shaky finish, this move to Los Angeles might help him regain his footing and perform at a higher level.
The return to Canada is significant for Leonard, who returns to the team he led to the 2019 championship and with whom he won the Finals MVP trophy.
Although sources tell ESPN that Leonard would have preferred to stay with the Clippers, the franchise’s lack of long-term commitment and his familiarity with the Raptors organization made this decision easier. Leonard is now eligible for a two-year $123.7 million extension.
Leonard’s time with the Clippers was anything but average. He made a name for himself as a three-time All-Star and played a total of 331 games, averaging 25.1 points and 6.4 rebounds across six seasons.
Behind the scenes, the NBA is currently investigating whether or not the Clippers circumvented the salary cap through an agreement between Leonard and Aspiration, a green banking company. Aspiration Co-founder Joseph Sanberg was sentenced to 14 years in prison for a five-year scheme to defraud investors of at least $248 million earlier this month.
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Next season, the Clippers can utilize their newly acquired roster picks to help rebuild the roster, with the help of Ingram and Dick. Like previous seasons, the Clippers are working towards building a team that can lead them to their first-ever NBA championship, now without their star.