The Los Angeles Clippers are engaged in trade talks with the Toronto Raptors for Kawhi Leonard, with the forward being linked with a spectacular return to Canada.
ESPN’s NBA insider Brian Windhorst has provided an update on the Clippers’ stance about extending the seven-time NBA All-Star’s contract amid these trade links.
ESPN Insider Brian Windhorst on Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard Stance
The Clippers signed Leonard as a free agent shortly after he helped the Raptors win the NBA championship in 2019. Despite enjoying six fruitful seasons with the Clippers, Leonard has not led the franchise to the NBA Finals.
With his contract expiring at the end of the 2026/27 season, the Clippers are looking to trade Leonard away, with the Raptors firming up as the likeliest destination. Windhorst revealed on Tuesday that the trade is on the verge of being finalized, with Brandon Ingram expected to make his return to Los Angeles.
“This trade could happen today. I think the Clippers and the Raptors have agreed on player compensation. I think it would be Brandon Ingram based on what I’m told who would head to Los Angeles,” Windhorst said on “Get Up ESPN.”
“This trade could happen today. … Despite him coming off a brilliant season, the Clippers … are not willing to offer Kawhi Leonard an extension right now of any sort.”
—@WindhorstESPN on the Raptors-Clippers trade talks for Kawhi Leonard 👀 pic.twitter.com/GIvhyC7mIV
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 30, 2026
Leonard also revealed that the Clippers do not have any interest in offering Leonard an extension. However, the Raptors are willing to extend Leonard’s contract, and the two-time NBA Finals MVP is also open to signing an extension.
“The key part of this is that the Raptors are willing to offer Leonard an extension, and Leonard’s willing to sign in Toronto. Those are two big check marks. What’s interesting is despite him coming off a brilliant season, the Clippers are not willing to offer Kawhi Leonard an extension right now of any sort,” he added.
If the trade goes through, Leonard would be eligible for a two-year, $123.7 million extension with the Raptors.
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Leonard’s first stint with the Raptors lasted only one year, but he led the franchise to a historic first NBA championship. As the two parties gear up for a reunion, it will be fascinating to see how the 35-year-old fares in Toronto.
The 6-foot-6 forward would join a talented Raptors roster led by RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes. The Raptors lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the NBA playoffs last season.
