Kawhi Leonard signed a two-year $115 million extension with the Toronto Raptors with a player option in the second year. That extension gives the Raptors an immediate three-year window to compete for a title. After all, Leonard is one of the best players in the league when he is healthy.
While the spotlight is on these next few years, Leonard’s second stint with the Raptors is likely to last past the 2028-29 season and maybe even into his 40s, depending on how much longer he can play.
“Kawhi and the Raptors are thinking about the possibility of his second stint with the franchise not just lasting these upcoming three years, and there’s a thought that this player option could ultimately be declined for Kawhi and Toronto to continue this remarriage deeper beyond the 2028-29 season into the 2030s, into the next decade,” NBA insider Jake Fischer said on a BleacherReport livestream.
Considering that Leonard is already 35 and injury-prone, he may not be able to be the best offensive player on a title contender in the next decade. But he could still be a valuable contributor next to younger stars if he can stay healthy. He reportedly plans to retire with the Raptors.
The Raptors now have the foundation for a title contender
With Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes both locked in for the next few seasons, the Raptors have the two pillars of their next title contender. Now, the next step is to see what this current roster can do, who is a good fit next to the two stars, and which positions need the most urgent upgrades.
RJ Barrett, who will be a free agent after this season, could be a valuable trade chip. Moreover, Jakob Poeltl’s humongous contract has been a problem, and Immanuel Quickley has a lot to prove after missing last season’s playoffs.
While that’s a lot to figure out, the Raptors cannot hesitate and drag out improving the roster around Leonard and Barnes. This team needs to contend for a title in the next three years. Otherwise, giving up two first-round picks, among other assets, for Leonard will look like a bad decision.
Leonard hasn’t even played a single game yet, but his return to Toronto has already been tumultuous with the paused trade, the salary-cap circumvention investigation, and all of the uncertainty. Hopefully, it’s all smooth sailing from here on out with little to no drama, allowing the Raptors to build on last season’s success and then take another step towards title contention with Leonard at the helm.
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