Kawhi Leonard traded to Toronto Raptors: Grades, reaction, Los Angeles Clippers' next steps - TSN
The Toronto Raptors have acquired Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers in a trade that sends Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one pick swap, and two second-round picks to the Clippers. This move marks the Raptors’ attempt to acquire Leonard again, aiming to elevate their team’s performance.
Leonard, a seven-time All-Star, averaged 27.9 points per game last season, a career high, on a career-high usage rate. Despite his age and injury history, his offensive skills remain impactful. He has maintained a 40.5% 3-point shooting percentage since returning from an ACL tear that sidelined him for the entire 2021-22 season. This figure is comparable to Stephen Curry’s 40.6% over the same period. Among players with at least a 25% usage rate over the past four seasons, Leonard ranks 10th in true shooting percentage.
Beyond his offensive contributions, Leonard is also recognized for his defensive prowess. He averaged 1.9 steals per game last season, placing him among the top five in the league. The other players in this top five were all younger. His impact on the Clippers was consistently positive, with a double-digit positive on/off differential in every season he played for them, according to Cleaning the Glass.
Raptors’ strategic move
The Raptors’ decision to trade for Leonard again reflects a strategy similar to their acquisition of him eight years ago. At that time, they traded DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and draft capital for Leonard. The current trade involves their leading scorer, Ingram, and a recent lottery pick, Dick, along with draft capital.
This current Raptors team, unlike its predecessor a decade ago, recently reached the postseason for the first time in four years. Last season, the team finished fifth in defensive rating. The addition of Leonard is expected to provide a significant offensive upgrade, as the team’s top four scorers last season, including Ingram, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Immanuel Quickley, all had efficiency numbers around the league average.
The team’s overall offensive rating last season was 15th, dropping to 111.9 in the first round of the postseason, which was the lowest among Cleveland’s three playoff opponents. Leonard’s offensive capabilities are anticipated to address this need for higher-calibre offensive firepower.
Trade details and implications
The cost of acquiring Leonard in 2026 is higher in terms of draft capital compared to the 2018 trade. The 2018 deal involved only one first-round pick for Leonard and Danny Green. However, the standard for superstar trades has evolved, with subsequent deals involving numerous unprotected picks and swaps. Despite this, the Raptors’ current trade is considered by some to be a relative bargain compared to other recent superstar acquisitions.
The Raptors still retain control of four of their future first-round picks, providing flexibility for future team building. Leonard’s health remains a consideration, as he has played 52, 68, 37, and 65 games over the past four seasons, representing 67.7% of the Clippers’ games during that period. He played in some games across the 2023 and 2024 playoffs.
The Clippers, who have not won a playoff series since 2021, are also making a significant roster change with this trade. The deal was reported by Shams Charania of ESPN.
Source: tsn.ca
