The Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors are seriously engaged in trade talks surrounding star forward Kawhi Leonard, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
Leonard's representatives have informed other interested teams that Toronto is the only franchise with which he would sign a long-term extension in the event he were traded outside Los Angeles, Charania adds.
Kawhi has one year remaining on his current deal at just over $50 million and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free-agent next summer. Los Angeles wants to get younger and currently has no long-term extension on the table for Leonard, Charania reports.
The Raptors would likely include forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, and draft compensation in a potential trade to reunite with the seven-time All-Star, according to Sportsnet's Michael Grange.
Leonard is coming off a season in which he averaged a career-high 27.9 points per game while adding 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals. He also shot over 50% from the field and hit over 38% of his shots from deep. Leonard suited up for 65 contests last season after only playing in 37 the year prior.
A trade would bring Leonard back to Toronto seven years after he led the organization to its first NBA title. The Raptors acquired Leonard and Danny Green in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a first-round pick prior to the 2019 season.
The 35-year-old averaged 30.5 points per game during the Raptors' playoff run that year and secured the NBA Finals MVP award. He ultimately left for his hometown weeks later, signing with the Clippers after the one year in Toronto.
The Raptors have won just one playoff series since Leonard's departure and are coming off a first-round loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
