Report: Kawhi Leaonard, Toronto Raptors To Begin Extension Talks

After an exciting return to the Toronto Raptors was completed as the NBA offseason moved into its full swing, star forward Kawhi Leonard and the team are now reportedly working on a long-term marriage.

Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the two-time NBA champion and the Raptors are expected to begin "extension talks" in the near future. Leonard will go about these negotiations following a recent change in representation as well. 

For more on the return of Leonard to Toronto and what it means for a team looking to climb its way back to title contention, Raptors Roundtable writer Joey Linn has the breakdown.

One of the NBA's biggest "what-ifs" centers around Leonard's first tenure with the team. After spending just one season with the Raptors in 2018-19 and leading the club to its first ever NBA Finals Championship, Leonard quickly departed for the Los Angeles Clippers, citing a desire to be closer to his Southern California home.

Seven years and no rings later, Leonard now returns to Toronto ready to help the Raptors in their pursuit for another Finals run.

Leonard, 34, averaged a career-high 27.9 points per game over his 65 contests played during the 2025-26 season. He finished the season as an All-Star and named to the All-NBA Second Team. 

With much appearing to still be left in the tank for Leonard, he has a true chance to help the Raptors reach new, but familiar, heights.

Landing an extension with the team to keep him up north for the foreseeable future will also give him a chance to build a culture and standard over time, rather than trying to revamp the team in a short stint. 

Leonard's current deal is set to expire after the 2026-27 season. It appears a concerted effort will be put in to avoid another one-and-done situation.