Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers Exit Looks Imminent. A Return to Toronto Is Gaining Steam.

The Kawhi Leonard era in Los Angeles is pretty much done. The Clippers gave the seven-time All-Star no indication they’d offer him an extension before his $50 million player option year kicks in, and now trade talks with Toronto are getting serious.

Chris Haynes reported the negotiations have gathered ‘momentum.’ Shams Charania confirmed it on X. According to Charania, the conversations are continuing and both sides are motivated. He said all signs point to Leonard’s tenure in LA ending soon.

Leonard was eligible for a two-year extension worth about $125 million. The Clippers passed. His reps then told interested teams he’d only agree to an extension with the Raptors if LA decided not to keep him long term. That gave Toronto some leverage. Haynes also reported the talks hit a brief pause because the Clippers thought Toronto’s initial offer didn’t match Leonard’s value.

A Career Year in a Lost Season

Leonard just finished one of his best seasons statistically. Career-high 27.9 points per game. He played 65 regular-season games, which is only the second time since 2018-19 he’s hit 60. He finished seventh in MVP voting, made All-NBA Second Team, and earned his fourth All-NBA selection as a Clipper. But none of that mattered much. The Clippers went 42-40, lost in the Play-In Tournament to the Warriors, and missed the playoffs entirely.

What Toronto Is Thinking

For the Raptors, bringing Leonard back is about trying to get back into the Eastern Conference picture. Since he left after the 2019 title run, Toronto has won one playoff series. They finished 40-36 this season and got bounced in the first round by Cleveland. That 2019 team was the high point. Leonard averaged 28.5 points in the Finals against Golden State, won Finals MVP, and delivered the franchise’s first championship.

So here’s where it stands. The Clippers are moving on. Leonard’s camp has made it clear where he wants to go. The Raptors want him back. The talks are real. And it feels like this thing is heading toward a deal sooner rather than later.