Proposed Summer Blockbuster Could Bring Kawhi Leonard Back to Raptors

March 25, 2026 ,


Kawhi Leonard tips off against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night as the LA Clippers host his former team. But with Kawhi's uncertain future with the Clippers, a team that decided to trade away key veterans James Harden and Ivica Zubac this season, the former Finals MVP has been linked to trade speculation. And a return to the Raptors is one of the teams that have been speculated about.

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report has proposed the "perfect" offseason trade for the Raptors which brings back their 2019 MVP.

Raptors receive:
  • Kawhi Leonard

Clippers receive:
  • Brandon Ingram
  • Colin Murray-Boyles
  • Ja'Kobe Walter
  • 2026 First-Round Pick 

This would continue the Clippers' change in direction this season, which sees them getting younger stars, like Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin, who came in at the deadline. Ingram is 28, a bit older, but after so much time off the past few seasons to injury, his body hasn't been through the rigours of the NBA wars like other 28-year-olds. 

This deal, to be honest, would destroy the Raptors' future in an attempt to go for one more ring in the present. But it must be noted that not only is Ingram the team's leading scorer in the 2025-26 season, and looks back to his All-Star form, but CMB and Walter have been huge contributors off the bench, adding terrific defense as well as floor spacing. 

Yes, Kawhi offers both of those things, too. And he has been back to his peak the past few months. But is all of that too much to surrender for a player who has spent most of the last seven years since he left Toronto on the injured list? 

Swartz argues that, "Although there's a risk of him leaving in free agency (again) next summer, Leonard would have the Raptors competing for the 2027 title alongside a core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley."

Photo: © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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