Raptors Release Kawhi Leonard Official Trade Statement After Controversy Over Salary Cap With Clippers

The Toronto Raptors have officially completed their blockbuster trade for Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers. It also put an end to a months-long saga surrounding the former NBA Finals MVP.

The NBA approved the transaction on Monday, 14 September, after the deal had been delayed by the league's investigation into the Clippers' alleged salary-cap circumvention involving Leonard. Toronto subsequently announced the trade, confirming that the franchise had brought back the star who led it to its first NBA championship in 2019.

'We're thrilled to welcome Kawhi back to Toronto,' Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said in a statement. 'His impact on our organization, our city and our country is undeniable, and he embodies the competitiveness and championship mindset that we value. We believe his leadership, experience and talent will help us as we continue building toward our next championship.'

The deal had originally been agreed in June but was placed on hold in July while the NBA investigated the Clippers.

'As I return to Toronto, I am focused on what I can control, closing this chapter, and moving forward with a clean slate,' Leonard said in a statement released after the NBA handed down its punishment to the Clippers earlier this month.

Raptors Surrender Major Haul for Leonard

Toronto has sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap and two second-round selections in 2030 and 2033 to Los Angeles.

Leonard returns to the organisation where he enjoyed the defining season of his career. In 2018-19, he helped the Raptors win their first championship before leaving Toronto for Los Angeles as a free agent.

The 35-year-old remains one of the NBA's most accomplished players. He is a seven-time All-Star, two-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP. He also earned a NBA 75th Anniversary Team recognition.

Leonard's most recent campaign further explains Toronto's willingness to make such a substantial investment. He averaged a career-high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 65 games for the Clippers during the 2025-26 regular season.

Clippers Look To Rebuild After Unprecedented Punishment

Los Angeles receives an established All-Star in Ingram, who averaged 21.5 points and 5.6 rebounds in 77 games for Toronto last season. Dick, meanwhile, averaged 9.2 points over his first three NBA seasons after being selected 13th overall in the 2023 Draft.

The future draft capital could prove particularly important for the Clippers following the league's punishment.

An NBA investigation found a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant violations connected to arrangements designed to create off-court income opportunities for Leonard. The league subsequently fined the Clippers $30 million (£22.3 million), stripped them of five future first-round picks from 2029 through 2033 and suspended owner Steve Ballmer for one year. Leonard was fined $700,000 (£519,000).

Ballmer later apologised and confirmed the Clippers would comply with the penalties. He said: 'I want to apologise to our fans, employees, and my fellow NBA team owners for the distraction and distress this matter has caused, for which I accept responsibility as principal owner.'

With the investigation now concluded and the trade officially completed, Leonard's return gives Toronto an established superstar to pair with Scottie Barnes as the Raptors attempt to return to championship contention.