Kawhi Leonard Trade Talks Hit a Snag as Clippers Push for More Assets

The LA Clippers and Toronto Raptors are still working on a deal that would send Kawhi Leonard back to the team he won a championship with in 2019. But as NBA free agency tips off Tuesday evening, both sides haven’t closed the gap.

League sources told ClutchPoints the Raptors’ current offer includes Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and one first-round pick. That much is agreed on. The problem? The Clippers want more.

LA is asking for an additional first-round pick. Toronto countered with multiple second-rounders. That didn’t move the needle. The Clippers are still pressing for either another first-round pick, a pick swap, or the inclusion of guard Jamal Shead — or some combination of those things. Shead hasn’t been offered yet in talks, but the Clippers see him as the kind of asset that would make this work.

No rush on LA’s end

The Clippers aren’t feeling the heat. Leonard has one year left on his deal, and he’s eligible for a two-year, $126 million extension this summer. That’s likely his last shot at a huge payday. LA has offered him an extension, but it’s not the full max — partly because of apron restrictions and roster-building plans. So Leonard’s camp is looking for a team that’ll give him the full amount. Toronto is willing to do that.

But the Clippers learned from the James Harden situation earlier this year. They got pushed into a deal when Harden sat out with what the team called personal reasons. They’re not about to let that happen again with their best player. Sources say they won’t be forced into a one-sided trade just to get something done.

Negotiations have gotten to a point where a deal could happen soon. Then again, it might not. The Clippers are happy to wait if the return isn’t right.

What Toronto is offering

Brandon Ingram is the headliner in the proposed package. Gradey Dick is a young wing with promise. The first-round pick gives LA some future flexibility. But the Clippers want more first-round value, not seconds. And they haven’t gotten that yet.

For now, the Raptors are using that max extension as leverage. Kawhi would get the money he wants in Toronto. The question is whether the Clippers will blink first or find another trade partner.

Free agency opens at 6 p.m. ET. No word yet on whether these two teams will have a deal by then.