A massive news day in the NBA world, and the Toronto Raptors are tied into a massive portion of it.
During round two of the 2026 NBA Draft, ESPN’s Bobby Marks was asked about the future of Kawhi Leonard, and when asked about suitors for the LA Clippers star, “Maybe his former teams,” said Marks. That was the start of all the rumors that the Klaw could be interested in returning to the six this summer if he were to be traded by LA.
This little nugget from Marks was followed by an official report Thursday afternoon from Senior NBA Insider Jake Fischer, which also linked Leonard to Toronto and San Antonio.
Fischer noted that Leonard’s preference is to remain a Clipper, but if he were to be dealt, the only two teams he would sign long-term with are the Raptors and Spurs. While Fischer stated it was unclear how the Spurs would feel about welcoming Leonard back, the Raptors reportedly would be very interested.
This news obviously has fans feeling a ton of different emotions. While Leonard led the franchise to only one championship and played at an MVP-level last season, he was reluctant to return to Toronto after that magical 2019 season, so many fans are wondering why welcome him back now? Which is a valid one but also irrelevant, as it’s so obvious that the Raptors are just being used as leverage to benefit Leonard, so he can get the money he wants from LA.
The Raptors are likely being used
Let's go back to 2019 when Leonard hit free agency and left the Raptors. What was the biggest story that came out of that move, other than him leaving? It was Paul George joining him in Cali. If you remember, Leonard had conditions for signing with the Clippers: getting me a co-star. And what happened to the Raptors? They were used as a middleman by Oklahoma City to drive up George's price and secure more assets when they eventually dealt him to the Clippers.
The same thing likely happened leading up to LaMelo Ball being dealt to Minnesota, as Toronto was considered the other suitor for the 24-year-old guard. You’re telling me an organization like the Raptors, that is all about size and versatility, didn’t want Ball? A 6-foot-6 lead guard who is everything Toronto is missing in terms of shot creation and perimeter scoring, of course, they wanted him. But at the end of the day, the Hornets liked what the Timberwolves could offer better and likely used the Raptors' interest as a way to hike up Ball’s price.
That's the same thing happening here with Leonard. He doesn’t want to come back to Canada—he’s a Cali guy through and through. Leonard loves his ocean view and warm weather and is using the Raptors and Spurs as a way to ensure he can get an extension and continue to live that life.
Two highly respected Raptors reporters in Sportsnet's Michael Grange and TSN’s Josh Lewenberg feel the exact same way.
Kawhi Leonard didn't want to stay in Toronto after winning a title in 2019 with at least two more within his grasp -- and reportedly didn't want to come to Toronto in 2018 when they were a 59 win team. Being 'open' to coming now feels like someone who needs some leverage. https://t.co/hIE333reDC
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) June 25, 2026
Not to spoil the party before it happens, but the last time Kawhi was "open" to this, many inside and outside of the Raptors organization felt/feel that he was using them as leverage. The more things change the more they stay the same. https://t.co/LA72zPO50j
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) June 25, 2026
Not to say Leonard doesn’t want to win a championship or anything like that, but we are really buying that he has an interest in returning to the two teams he left rather ugly because he has familiarity there. You’re really telling me that if he planned to leave LA, he wouldn’t consider the Pistons, who are fresh off a 60-win season and are looking for a second option?
Now, is this all fact? No. This is my opinion, as I’m just playing detective.
But I’ll leave you with this: Leonard is 34 years old on a one-year deal and is likely looking for one final payday before he rides off into the sunset.
The Clippers made a pivot toward a young core at the trade deadline and could move forward with or without Leonard and still be in a good place. Lawrence Frank and Steve Ballmer have all the leverage here, and while Leonard did just average 27.9 points per game, his age and injury history likely negate that. The only way to get the leverage back is by showing other teams still see him as a max player, and on paper, the Raptors and Spurs both offer that.
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