Winners, Losers from Kawhi Leonard trade to Toronto Raptors

The Kawhi Leonard trade to the Toronto Raptors reshapes the NBA’s offseason narrative with a high-profile return to where he previously won a championship. In a blockbuster deal, Toronto receives Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers, while Los Angeles gets Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks (2031 and 2033), a 2027 first-round pick swap, and two second-round pick selections (2030 and 2033). The article frames Leonard as a winner in part because he sought a contract extension and the Clippers would not meet the terms, especially as Los Angeles pivoted toward younger pieces earlier in the deadline. For Toronto, the upside is on-court fit: the pairing of Leonard with Scottie Barnes boosts perimeter defense and gives a consistent halfcourt shot creator. However, the central risk is health—Leonard played 65 games last season and reached that level only twice in his seven-year Clippers tenure.