Even as the NBA’s cap-circumvention investigation looms, the Los Angeles Clippers have no desire to part ways with their beloved superstar, Kawhi Leonard. Since his arrival in 2019, the Clippers have devoted everything to making him happy and maintaining his loyalty.
Even so, following their latest disappointing season, the Clippers have never been closer to trading him, and the result has been endless rumors. Still, a trade is not impossible, and there are at least two teams he could see himself signing an extension with if traded to. Interestingly, the two teams are the only other ones he previously played for (the Spurs and Raptors), setting up a potential blockbuster reunion that nobody saw coming.
“Sources close to the situation tell The Stein Line that, when it comes to potential trade talks, there are only two other teams that Leonard would consider signing an extension with: The two teams he played for before becoming a Clipper. Toronto and San Antonio,” reported Jake Fischer.
Leonard, 34, has not demanded a trade, and he prefers to remain with the Clippers. But between the NBA’s investigation and a growing youth movement on the roster, Leonard’s fit isn’t entirely clear, and it doesn’t help that he only has one more year on his contract ($50.3 million for 2026-27). That’s why the trade talks are unavoidable this summer, even after a stellar statistical season from the two-time champion (27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 50.5% shooting and 38.7% shooting from three).
What’s most shocking is that Kawhi is open to potentially returning to the Spurs, a bridge many thought was burned years ago. Kawhi started his career with the franchise, and eventually won Finals MVP as the x-factor in their 2014 title run. Things didn’t end on good terms, but that doesn’t mean the Spurs are unwilling to bring him back.
“It is not yet clear how the Spurs would receive the idea of a reunion with Leonard, given the manner in which they are flourishing in the Victor Wembanyama Era … on top of the sides’ infamously messy parting in the summer of 2018,” Fischer added.
Kawhi would fit like a glove for the Spurs, and he could serve as a strong mentor and leader for the young locker room. But with the team still fresh off an NBA Finals appearance, the Spurs may not be keen to make such drastic roster changes. Besides, trading for Kawhi would likely require giving up some combination of Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Kelly Olynyk, and multiple draft picks.
While the Spurs may be an unlikely spot for Leonard, the Raptors are a much more realistic destination. According to Fischer, the Raptors have already expressed mutual interest in a reunion as a team trying to take the next step in the Eastern Conference.
“Yet sources insist that the Raptors have a genuine interest in bringing Leonard back to Canada,” added Fischer. “A run at Leonard is among the various win-now moves that Toronto has been considering after last season’s return to the playoffs as the East’s No. 6 seed.
If the Raptors are willing to give up Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, or potentially Gradey Dick (along with picks), it could be enough to land Kawhi and join the likes of the Knicks, Celtics, and Heat as contenders in the East. Kawhi’s two-way game would only enhance what Scottie Barnes brings to the floor.
While Kawhi was only a Raptor for one season, the franchise still regards him highly for delivering their first-ever championship. If he comes back now, it would only enhance his legacy and make up for his premature exit in 2019.
Ultimately, the situation with Kawhi is volatile. Even at 34, he remains a hot commodity, and his presence instantly elevates any team’s place in the NBA hierarchy. Whether that’s the Spurs, Raptors, or Clippers remains to be seen, but what happens next may not entirely be in his control.
