New Kawhi Leonard Expectation Brings Positive Thinking for Toronto Raptors

As the month of August begins, little to no clarity has been provided regarding seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors. The blockbuster trade to return the 2019 Finals MVP to Toronto saw two-time All-Star Brandon Ingram and former lottery pick Gradey Dick move to the Los Angeles Clippers.

While the news of the trade would normally be enough to shake up the NBA, the real news is coming from why the trade is still being delayed. Leonard, Los Angeles, and former lead sponsor Aspiration are being tied to circumventing the salary cap by funnelling money for an unperformed act of service. 

Recent news surrounding the situation suggests that the former San Diego State Aztec could be waiting until even midway through next season before NBA Commissioner Adam Silver makes a decision on how to punish him, if necessary. This is mainly because there is really no estimate as to when the investigation could conclude (ongoing since September), and that is just the first step of resolving the issue.

One would think this would provide some doubt in general manager Bobby Webster’s head. Sportsnet’s Michael Grange thinks otherwise, offering his opinion on the matter moving forward. 

Regardless of all the ongoing conflict, Grange believes that the two-time Defensive Player of the Year will be present with the team for training camp at the end of September in Quebec City. The Raptors made headlines by announcing they would become the first team to host a home game (preseason) in Quebec City, and it seems Leonard isn’t waiting until the trade is official to get accustomed to his new teammates. 

It’s difficult to gauge how either team should go about the situation at the moment. Having the players work out and get used to playing with their new teams is obviously preferred, but in the scenario where the trade is cancelled, that time could set the teams back from a chemistry standpoint. That’s especially true in a trade like this because both Leonard and Ingram should each be one of, if not the leading scorer for their respective teams next season, as they were in 2026. 

On the other hand, having the stars wait to meet and get comfortable with their teammates seems counterproductive as well. Either way, chemistry is a pivotal part of building a championship team, and the stalling of this deal could have a major impact on the Raptors’ ability to contend next season. With very little certainty that anything will be resolved soon, time will tell whether implementing Leonard into Toronto early will be a positive or a negative.