The Kawhi Leonard extension clock is now running in Toronto. After the Clippers-Raptors trade becomes official, Leonard will negotiate with new representation and a franchise that already knows what a healthy Kawhi season can look like.
ESPN reports Leonard hired Harrison Gaines of SLASH Sports to oversee talks. Gaines, who worked as Leonard’s business attorney over the past year, will meet Raptors officials in Toronto. Reuters echoed that extension talks are expected this week.
Kawhi Leonard extension stakes after the Clippers exit
Leonard has one season and $50.3 million left on the three-year extension he signed with the Clippers in 2024 under Mitch Frankel. He is eligible for up to a two-year, $123.7 million extension with Toronto, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
The June 30 framework sends Leonard to Toronto for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected firsts in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round swap, and two seconds. Leonard made clear he would only extend with the Raptors, which cooled Minnesota and Detroit pursuits, sources told ESPN.
History that still shapes the reunion
Leonard won Finals MVP in Toronto in 2019 at 28.5 points per game against Golden State. ESPN Research notes he is the 53rd NBA champion to leave and later reunite with that title team, and the first of those 53 to average 20-plus points immediately before returning.
Last season he averaged a career-high 27.9 points and 6.4 rebounds in 65 starts, finishing seventh in MVP voting. Career marks sit at 20.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals across Spurs, Raptors, and Clippers stops.
What comes next
Three reasons Leonard favored Toronto, per ESPN