Report: Raptors Receive Major Insider Update on Kawhi Leonard Trade Push
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Kawhi Leonard may be on the move this offseason, with several franchises monitoring his situation with the Los Angeles Clippers.
According to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, there is an opportunity for Leonard to return to the Toronto Raptors, the team with which he won the 2019 NBA championship.
AdvertisementAdvertisement“There are plenty of moving parts and some contradictory information kicking around, but two sources close to the situation that I spoke with on Sunday confirmed that the Raptors have discussed the possibility of a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers that would bring the 2026 second-team all-NBA selection back to Toronto,” Grange wrote. “The Raptors’ interest in Leonard was first reported by Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.”
In a proposed trade package, the Raptors would have to move Brandon Ingram and third-year wing Gradey Dick alongside future draft picks for Leonard.
How a Kawhi Leonard to Raptors Return Could Materialize
GettyLeonard celebrates the 2019 Raptors title
AdvertisementAdvertisementLeonard is entering the final year of his deal and will earn around $50.3 million for 2026-27. He will be an unrestricted free agent this time next year, which can cause cap flexibility challenges for the Clippers if they don’t trade him this summer.
An extension for Leonard is reportedly unlikely, meaning that any chance to get returns for his value will have to come this trade window.
The most probable construction by the Raptors would involve Ingram.
“The most likely construction of the deal would centre on a package including 2026 all-star Brandon Ingram and third-year wing Gradey Dick, which would work in terms of salary matching, per one source,” Grange wrote. “The Raptors would likely have to add some draft picks as additional compensation.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementIngram, an All-Star forward, is on a three-year $120 million deal and is owed $40 million for 2026-27. After that year, he will be entering a player option year, which makes him a significant commitment at the moment.
Ingram has been an important star for Toronto ever since he joined from the New Orleans Pelicans at the trade deadline last year. However, despite a strong scoring regular season, he was disappointing in the postseason.
Dick is an extra piece to be included while the Raptors possess their own first-round picks through 2032, which could help sweeten the deal.
Leonard Return Could Be a Positive
GettyTORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 10: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors reacts in the first half against the Golden State Warriors during Game Five of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 10, 2019 in Toronto, Canada.
Leonard was in top form in 2027-27. He averaged a career high 27.9 points per game, as well as adding 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. His addition will be coming at the best possible time.
The Raptors made their first postseason appearance since 2022, and despite being relatively less-experienced against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Cavs had to dig deep in a hard-fought seven-game series to take the first round over Toronto.
The Raptors are tending towards building around Scottie Barnes, with supporting pieces like RJ Barrett providing support. Adding Leonard, a two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP, will inject that postseason experience and elevate their roster.
“In his first full year as the Raptors top decision maker, Raptors general manager Bobby Webster has speculated about the timing of ‘maybe start(ing) to push some chips into the middle,” Grange added. “Webster led the Raptors’ efforts to acquire Leonard back in 2018, a risky, franchise-shifting move that led directly to the Raptors only championship. It appears he’s at least considering trying to go down the same path again.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementLeonard only spent one season in Toronto, but he handed the franchise its first major championship success. Since he left, they haven’t rediscovered that contentious character.
Leonard turns 35 today, and his injury history isn’t memorable. But the Raptors can take the risk and bet on his contribution when on the floor and healthy.
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Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
