Kawhi Leonard has returned to the Toronto Raptors on a two-year, $115-million contract extension, putting an end to a 70-day trade hold and a 364-day league investigation into his former team, the Los Angeles Clippers.
Leonard Signs Two-Year Extension in Toronto
Speaking at a season-opening media conference on Monday for the 2026-27 NBA season, Leonard sidestepped questions regarding a multi-million-dollar salary-cap circumvention scheme orchestrated by the Clippers that ultimately facilitated his departure from Los Angeles.
Sidestepping the Clippers Investigation
Leonard sat down wearing the same No. 2 jersey he wore during Toronto’s 2018-19 championship run. When pressed about the NBA investigation that resulted in a $30 million fine for the Clippers, the forfeiture of five future first-round picks, and a one-year ban for owner Steve Ballmer, Leonard declined to engage with the specifics.
"I’m excited to be here. Recognizing that some attendees hoped for inquiries about the probe, discussions with the league and the (Players’ Association) led to the conclusion that prioritizing a shift forward and concentrating on his tenure as a Toronto Raptor was the preferred course, Leonard stated." "I was already a distraction for the past 70 days and wasn’t able to meet my teammates or participate in any minicamp activities with them."
Fallout and Penalties in Los Angeles
While the Clippers absorbed severe penalties—alongside a five-year ban for Leonard’s uncle and former advisor, Dennis Robertson—Leonard negotiated a $700,000 fine through the Players’ Association.
His acquisition brings an end to a tumultuous era for the Clippers, who traded a total of 10 first-round picks and two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during their pursuit of Leonard, netting only one trip to the Western Conference Finals.
Family Priorities and 2019 Departure
Addressing Raptors fans who have long wondered if off-court factors influenced his abrupt exit following the 2019 title, Leonard maintained that he has no regrets about signing with the Clippers in free agency. He pointed to family priorities as the sole driver behind his initial move to southern California.
"I made my decision to go to L.A. based on my family," Leonard said. "I’m a big family guy. Prior to their passing, several senior relatives were around for him to dedicate time to visiting." "I got to see babies be born, and cousins and nieces grow up."
He emphasized that personal milestones outweighed basketball considerations at that stage of his career. "I thought I made the right decision then. I still do. Neither those lost relatives nor the periods shared with them can be undone, Leonard further mentioned."
Focusing on the 2026-27 Season
Having missed summer minicamps while the trade remained in limbo, Leonard and the Raptors now turn their focus to the regular season, with a scheduled matchup against the Clippers in Los Angeles looming on November 2.
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