Today is a great day for Raptors Nation. After months of waiting and hearing about the highly-publicized investigation (which prompted Toronto to put the trade on hold), we can finally put those worries to rest. ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news earlier today that both sides have agreed to move forward with the trade and finalize it.
Beyond an eventual trade call scheduled between Toronto and LA, and the usual team press releases and social media announcements that follow a confirmed deal, you can consider this trade as officially in the books. Welcome back to the Six, Kawhi Leonard aka the “Fun Guy.”
With that clarity, we can really turn up the dial on our Kawhi excitement. But the next steps in this trade process aren’t completely finished yet. Don’t worry, though, I wouldn't get anxious if I were you. I would bet that the remaining housekeeping should be smooth sailing, and what comes next should be taken as good news, not bad. Just in case it wasn’t obvious what I’m hinting at, I’m talking about the almost inevitable contract extension Kawhi Leonard will work out with the Raptors — solidifying his stay in Toronto for what’s lookin’ like the rest of his Hall of Fame-worthy career.
With his return to the Raptors official, Kawhi Leonard is expected to secure a contract extension
Even before the trade announcement dropped on June 30, the rumor mill was already buzzing with reports that Kawhi Leonard and his camp were signaling to the Clippers (and making it clear to other suitors) that if he were to be moved, the Klaw’s only desired choice would be signing a future contract extension with the Toronto Raptors. That put the Raps squarely in the driver's seat, and wouldn’t you know it, we soon heard that a deal was agreed upon (which shocked us then and kept us hyped all summer, of course) — bringing us to the official confirmation of the trade we got today.
So, ladies and gentlemen, what kind of number or contract extension details should we be expecting in this Raptors–Kawhi Leonard reunion? You probably know one of his catchphrases, “Board Man Gets Paid.” That slogan kind of carries a sense of irony now, given everything that has surfaced as of late. But hey, you can bet Kawhi will once again secure himself a bag, as the cool kids say.
Raptors beat reporter Josh Lewenberg chimed in on X about the impending situation, noting that the Klaw can sign a deal "worth up to $126 million" over two years immediately upon his arrival. He added that such a deal could be finalized before training camp, which is just two weeks away — possibly even sooner. That would lock Kawhi into this Raptors outlook through the 2028-29 season, when he’ll be 37 years old.
Now, when it comes to money and the Toronto Raptors, it can be a touchy subject. The team’s dealing with a pretty hefty cap sheet, paying out their entire starting five to a significant degree — Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett (on an expiring deal and a subject of focus because of it), Jakob Poeltl, and now Kawhi Leonard — all pushing them right up against the first apron.
However, paying Kawhi Leonard is not even a question after going all-in to bring him back. This isn’t a potential one-year rental like Toronto swung for in 2018-19. Kawhi's bought in, and it's all systems go with the Raps from here on out.
Would it be great if the Raptors had a bit more financial flexibility to tidy up their roster after this massive move? Most definitely, but I'm sure we'll cross that bridge in no time too. All we can say for now is that the Raptors' front office clearly believes this second shot with Kawhi will work out, and surely an official report on his extension is coming soon.
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