A return to the Clippers would be awkward for Kawhi Leonard, but retaining an All-NBA talent remains a manageable contingency—not a disaster.
The Los Angeles Clippers appeared ready to begin a new era when they agreed to send Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors.
Nearly two months later, that transition remains on hold.
Toronto agreed to trade Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, two second-round picks and pick swaps to the Clippers for Leonard.
The Raptors paused the transaction after learning they could assume the risk of any punishment Leonard receives from the NBA’s investigation into possible salary-cap circumvention.
The uncertainty has left both teams in an uncomfortable position. It has not, however, left the Clippers without a reasonable alternative.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that Los Angeles would be comfortable bringing Leonard back if Toronto decides not to complete the trade.
“If this trade doesn’t go through, if for some reason Toronto doesn’t want to proceed with it until they know the investigation, Clippers are fine with Kawhi Leonard being back on their team,” Shelburne said.
Keeping Leonard would be awkward, but it would hardly be a basketball catastrophe.
Leonard Remains an Elite Player
The Clippers agreed to the trade because Toronto presented them with a strong rebuilding package and Leonard’s long-term future in Los Angeles was uncertain. They were not attempting to remove an ineffective player.
Leonard is coming off the highest-scoring season of his career, averaging 27.9 points across 65 games. When healthy, he remains an efficient three-level scorer and one of the NBA’s best two-way wings.
His return would immediately raise the Clippers’ ceiling. Leonard already understands Tyronn Lue’s system and has extensive experience playing alongside the organization’s established veterans.
The Clippers would have to address the emotional consequences of a failed trade. Leonard knows the franchise was prepared to move him, while the front office knows he was willing to return to Toronto.
Those conversations would be uncomfortable. Professional teams have overcome far more complicated circumstances.
Los Angeles Would Retain Its Leverage
The trade’s collapse would cost the Clippers an appealing return. Ingram could become an important offensive piece, Dick would add young shooting and the draft assets would support a long-term reset.
It would not mean Los Angeles lost Leonard for nothing.
The Clippers could bring him back, remain competitive and revisit trade possibilities after the investigation is resolved. If Leonard continues producing at an All-NBA level, other teams could eventually enter the market.
Apr 7, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forwardKawhiLeonard(2) runs on the court during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn ImagesThe larger concern remains the NBA investigation. The league is examining allegations involving Leonard’s endorsement agreements with Clippers sponsors and whether the organization circumvented salary-cap rules. The Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer have denied wrongdoing.
Until that process concludes, Toronto has understandable reasons to avoid assuming additional risk.
Los Angeles does not have to panic in the meantime. The Clippers can prepare for Leonard’s return while leaving the door open for the Toronto deal to eventually move forward.
Retaining a 35-year-old star with a troubling injury history is not the clean reset the Clippers envisioned. It is still a far better fallback than being trapped with an unproductive player.
Leonard can help Los Angeles win. As contingency plans go, that is one the Clippers can comfortably accept.
