The Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers have reached a trade agreement involving star forward Kawhi Leonard returning to Toronto. The Raptors officially announced the deal on Monday evening with a simple message, “He back,” accompanied by a photo of Leonard in his #2 jersey.
The trade, reported first by Shams Charania of ESPN, will see the Clippers acquiring all-star forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks in exchange.
The completion of the trade was delayed due to an NBA investigation into Leonard and the Clippers for potential salary-cap violations. The league concluded its probe on September 2, imposing a $700,000 fine on Leonard but opting not to suspend him or void his contract.
During the investigation period, Leonard, Ingram, and Dick adhered to NBA rules by engaging with their respective teams in limited capacities. Leonard attended Kyle Lowry’s press conference at OVO Athletic Centre while Ingram was present at a Clippers summer league game in Las Vegas.
Notably, Leonard, who played a pivotal role in the Raptors’ 2019 championship victory, spent only one season with the team before joining the Clippers as a free agent. The 35-year-old forward had an impressive season with the Clippers in 2025-26, averaging 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game.
On the other hand, Ingram, who averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists during his brief stint with the Raptors, suffered an injury during the playoffs and underwent heel surgery. Dick experienced a decline in performance in his third NBA season, recording career-low averages in points, rebounds, and assists.
Leonard is scheduled to address the media at the Raptors’ upcoming media day on September 28.