Scottie Barnes Deems Kawhi Leonard-Toronto Raptors Pairing "Dangerous"

The Las Vegas NBA Summer League is underway, and the Toronto Raptors have seen great basketball from rookie first-round pick Allen Graves. In a 1-1 start, he has shown that his defensive instincts will fit in perfectly with the team’s schemes alongside Collin Murray-Boyles, who has yet to make his sophomore debut in the Summer League due to a finger sprain. 

Several of the key contributors for Toronto made an appearance at the first summer league game, including Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and others. While the trade for seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard has not yet been made official, he is widely expected to join these players and become a Raptor for the second time in his career. 

During Toronto’s first Summer League game, Barnes was interviewed by ESPN’s Jorge Sedano, who asked him about the potential pairing with the two-time Finals MVP. 

“It seems very dangerous,” said Barnes. “We’re trying to take candy from a baby essentially … We know what Kawhi can do: be able to score the ball, guard the ball, steals, active. [He’s] just going to fit right in.”

After spending seven seasons in Los Angeles with the Clippers, the franchise ultimately decided it would be best to begin a rebuild. They acquired Darius Garland, Bennedict Mathurin, and the No. 5 pick in this year’s draft (used to select Keaton Wagler) by trading away James Harden and Ivica Zubac. Leonard was the final key piece of the core with championship aspirations, and by trading him, they received two-time All-Star Brandon Ingram, former lottery pick Gradey Dick, and significant draft compensation.  

However, there is one major hiccup preventing the final transaction from becoming official. Leonard and the Clippers were involved in a major scandal with lead sponsor “Aspiration,” where the superstar was allegedly given money directly without it being listed under the franchise’s salary cap. If true, this is blatant cheating and will result in heavy punishments for the Clippers and possibly Leonard as well. 

A similar situation occurred back in 1999 when the Minnesota Timberwolves signed Joe Smith to a contract under the table that was not his official one in the NBA. A year later, the Timberwolves were caught and were forced to endure severe punishments, including the loss of multiple first-round picks, a significant fine, and suspensions for both the general manager and owner. Simultaneously, Smith’s official contract with the franchise was voided, meaning he did not receive any of the money he was guaranteed from then on. 

This becomes relevant when looping in the Raptors with Leonard. The NBA informed Toronto that it would have to take on the penalties related to Leonard’s contract. He is going into the final year of his contract worth $50.3 million, and if that is voided, it creates a sticky situation with the Raptors’ salary cap. Not to mention, there is also a possibility that Leonard receives a suspension from the league for his participation in the scandal. 

Understandably so, general manager Bobby Webster chose to put the trade on pause until the repercussions become official. It’s assumed by both parties that the deal will become official at some point soon, so Raptors fans have little to worry about. Assuming all is well, Leonard will return to the franchise that he carried to its only championship; this time, he could be a key contributor to the greatest defense in the league next to Barnes, Murray-Boyles, and company.