5 Ideal trade targets for Raptors to pair with Scottie Barnes

No. 5: Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard is no stranger to the Toronto Raptors, and he still holds a number of single-season records as well as the best scoring average in team history. Most importantly, of course, he hoisted the Larry O’Brien trophy on behalf of the Raptors and was the best player on the 2019 championship team.

Leonard has battled injury after injury since leaving for Los Angeles in 2019, but when he is on the court he still has the look of a Top-10 player. When his body cooperates (a significant caveat) he is strong, balanced and pours in a lot of points. He is not quite the same world-destroying defender but is still well above average on that level. When healthy, Leonard is a dominant player.

The problem, of course, is health. Leonard has missed significant time in every season since he left for Los Angeles, including missing the entire 2021-22 season due to a torn ACL. He played 68 games last season, the most he ever has in a Clippers uniform, but yet again he was injured in the playoffs when his team needed him the most. With Paul George walking in free agency, the Clippers seem poised on the edge of a complete overhaul.

If they have a terrible season this year, if Kawhi misses more time due to injury or both then he could be available on the trade market. His injury risk is obviously not great, but his fit with Barnes is strong. They would be a great pairing defensively at the two forward positions, and they could work a nasty two-man game working their way into the paint. It’s not a sure thing, and Leonard isn’t quite an elite shooter, but the two players would allow the team to maximize the rest of the lineup around them. It just may work.