The Raptors could make a move to bring back Kawhi, but what would the deal look like?
With the Los Angeles Clippers trading away two veterans midseason and selecting Keaton Wagler with the fifth overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, the franchise has clearly made it a priority to get younger.
The recent move has raised questions about Kawhi Leonard and whether or not he will be traded this summer by Los Angeles. Leonard is coming off a season in which he was awarded All-NBA Second Team honors and was clearly the leader of the Clippers on the court.
Kawhi missed a significant amount of time at the beginning of this past season, and the Clippers had a very slow start. Once he came back, the team was back to its winning ways and rallied to a Play-In Tournament appearance.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesThere is a chance Leonard gets traded as the franchise has tried to put together a team to win a championship around him, but has fallen short every year. After picking at No. 5 overall and younger key pieces at the trade deadline, the Clippers could trade Kawhi away if given the right amount.
One team that could pursue Leonard if he's available is the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors went through a full rebuild after Kawhi's first stint with the team in 2018-2019, giving them a championship, but now they're competing in the playoffs again.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Kawhi would sign an extension with Toronto if a reunion happens.
What Would a Clippers-Raptors Kawhi Trade Look Like?
A trade between the Raptors and the Clippers would likely be centered around Brandon Ingram, as his contract pays him $40 million a year. On top of that, Ingram plays the same position as Leonard, and they could play similar roles on their new teams.
The Raptors could also involve Jakob Poeltl in this deal, as he has a big contract that pays him $19.5 million next season. Trading away Poeltl gives the Raptors flexibility to make more moves this offseason.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesAnother player who could be brought to Los Angeles is RJ Barrett. Barrett is a player who is a veteran guard who could add a lot to a young Clippers team. He was one of the more reliable pieces for the Raptors this past season. He can score inside and can set up his teammates for success on offense.
The Clippers have an opportunity to get back a lot of assets from a Kawhi trade, and they could choose to move forward depending on what their outlook is for next season.
