Kawhi Leonard’s Trade Value Has One Thing Holding Up a Deal With the Raptors

The Kawhi Leonard trade talks between the Clippers and the Raptors are getting serious. But there’s one issue that keeps popping up: L.A. wants more than just Brandon Ingram.

According to a report from ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Clippers are open to taking Ingram as the centerpiece of a deal. They’re just not willing to stop there. The front office is pushing for multiple first-round picks on top of Ingram, and that’s where things get stuck.

“The biggest hurdle in trade talks between the Raptors and Clippers over the last few days and extending into last night was that LA wants to maximize Leonard’s value and do not want the deal to end up being one-sided. That is why Clippers have been asking for multiple picks,” Siegel wrote.

Why the Clippers think they can ask for more

Kawhi played 65 games last season. That might not sound like a lot, but for a guy who’s missed major chunks of the last few years, it felt like a win. He averaged a career-high 27.9 points, shot over 50% from the field and nearly 39% from three. He also grabbed 6.4 boards and dished 3.6 assists per game.

The Clippers see that and think, okay, this is still a top-15 NBA player when he’s on the court. And they’re not wrong. The issue is how much risk a team like Toronto is willing to take on. Kawhi turns 36 this summer. His injury history is a novel. And his contract isn’t cheap.

The Raptors have leverage too

But here’s the thing: Kawhi’s camp has made it clear he’ll only sign an extension with Toronto. That’s a big deal. Other teams have poked around, but none of them can offer the same long-term security. So the Raptors aren’t exactly desperate.

Still, they want him. And the Clippers know that. Which is why they’re pushing for extra draft capital. The question is whether Toronto blinks first.

There’s been consistent progress in talks, according to sources. The two sides are talking regularly. But until the Clippers either drop the demand for multiple picks or the Raptors agree to meet it, this thing stays in neutral.

Kawhi reportedly prefers Toronto over other suitors. That alone gives the Raptors room to negotiate. But you can bet L.A. will squeeze every last asset they can before they let him go. It’s the last big trade chip they have, and they’re not letting it go cheap.