Toronto Raptors Latest Trade Rumors: Kawhi Reunion and More

The Toronto Raptors are making noise this offseason. They are not sitting still. They are chasing big names. They are trying to build a contender. And the biggest name on their list is a familiar one.

Kawhi Leonard is coming back to Toronto. That is the headline. The Raptors are trading for the man who led them to their only championship in 2019 . ESPN's Shams Charania reported the deal is close . Brian Windhorst said on Get Up that the trade "could happen today" .

The reported package sends Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks (2031 and 2033), a pick swap in 2027, and two second-round picks to the Los Angeles Clippers . That is a lot to give up. But the Raptors are betting on Leonard.

This is just one piece of the Toronto Raptors latest trade rumors. There is more happening. Let us break down all of it.

The Kawhi Leonard Trade: What We Know

Leonard is 34 years old. He averaged a career-high 27.9 points per game last season . He shot 40.5 percent from three over the last four seasons. That is basically the same as Stephen Curry . He also averaged 1.9 steals per game, which put him in the top five in the league . He is still elite when he plays.

The problem is health. Over the last four seasons, Leonard played in 67.7 percent of the Clippers' games . He missed big chunks of time. That is the risk. The Raptors are willing to take it.

The Clippers are not willing to offer Leonard a contract extension . That is why they are trading him. The Raptors are willing to offer him a two-year, $123.7 million extension . Leonard is open to signing it . That is a big factor in this deal getting done.

The Raptors want to keep RJ Barrett in this deal . They prefer to send Ingram instead . Ingram averaged 21.5 points last season and made his second All-Star team . Barrett averaged 19.3 points and had a strong playoff series against Cleveland . The team sees Barrett as part of the future with Scottie Barnes.

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The Bigger Picture: What Else Are the Raptors Planning?

The Kawhi trade might not be the only move. The Raptors are looking at other names too. This is where the Toronto Raptors latest trade rumors get interesting.

The Kyrie Irving Idea

• A wild trade proposal surfaced from Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley. The Raptors would send Immanuel Quickley, Ja'Kobe Walter, and a top-five protected 2028 first-round pick to Dallas for Kyrie Irving . Irving missed the entire 2025-26 season with a torn ACL . He is 34 years old. He is a huge risk.
• The idea is to pair a healthy Irving with Leonard and Scottie Barnes. The Raptors ranked fifth in defense last season but only 15th in offense . They were weak in isolation and pick-and-roll situations . Irving would fix that. He is one of the best ball handlers and isolation scorers in NBA history.
• But here is the catch. The Mavericks are not looking to trade Irving . One front office executive told Spotrac's Keith Smith, "We're not looking to move Kyrie and Kyrie isn't looking to be moved either" . Dallas wants to see Irving paired with Cooper Flagg. So this one is a long shot.

The Ja Morant Possibility

• Ja Morant is another name linked to the Raptors . He had a rough season in Memphis. He averaged 19.5 points per game. That was his worst scoring average since his rookie year . He has played in only 79 games over the last three seasons . His value is low right now.
• The Grizzlies drafted Cameron Boozer with the third overall pick . They are ready to move on from Morant. A trade could help the Raptors move off of Jakob Poeltl's massive contract . Poeltl has four years left on his deal worth over $100 million . That is a tough contract to move.
• Morant is not a perfect fit. He has injury issues and off-court baggage. But he is still a former All-Star. A change of scenery could help him. The Raptors could get him at a discount.

The Center Problem

• The Raptors have a problem at center. Jakob Poeltl is their starter. But he has not played more than 60 games in any of the past three seasons . Back issues are the main reason . He showed signs of slowing down in the playoffs against Cleveland .
• His contract is a big issue. He has a three-year, $104 million extension that starts in 2027-28 . He is not a free agent until 2030 . That is a lot of money for a player who cannot stay healthy.
• This is why the Raptors are looking at other options. Jalen Duren is one name that came up in trade talks . The Pistons and Duren are far apart on a contract extension . He could accept a $9.6 million qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer . Detroit might trade him before that happens.
• A deal for Duren could involve RJ Barrett and a future first-round pick going to Detroit . That would give the Raptors a young, athletic center to pair with Barnes and Leonard. The defense with Barnes, Leonard, and Duren would be terrifying .

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What Are the Raptors Giving Up?

The Raptors have assets to make these trades. They have young players. They have draft picks. They have expiring contracts. Here is what they are working with.

The Raptors are willing to give up Ingram and Dick to get Leonard . They are not willing to give up Barrett . That tells you who they value. Barrett is a Canadian kid. He is popular with fans. He fits the culture.

What Does This Mean for the Raptors?

The Raptors are all-in. They finished 15th in offensive rating last season . They got bounced in the first round of the playoffs by Cleveland . They need more firepower. Leonard gives them that.

If the trade happens, the Raptors have a core of Leonard, Barnes, Barrett, and Poeltl. That is a solid starting five. If they can add another piece, like Duren or a point guard, they become a real threat in the East.

But there are risks. Leonard is 34 and injury-prone. Poeltl is unreliable. The draft picks they gave up could be valuable. They are betting on the present. They want to win now. The 2027 World Cup is not their concern. The 2027 NBA Finals is.

Summary of Toronto Raptors Latest Trade Rumors

Toronto Raptors latest trade rumors are focused on one big name: Kawhi Leonard. The deal is almost done. The Raptors are getting their guy back. They are giving up Ingram, Dick, and a lot of picks. They are keeping Barrett. That is the plan.

The front office is not done. They are looking at other moves too. Kyrie Irving is a long shot. Ja Morant is a possibility. Jalen Duren could be the center of the future. The Raptors are trying to build a championship team.

They know the risks. Leonard is not young. Poeltl is not reliable. The picks they gave up could hurt later. But they are not thinking about later. They are thinking about now. The Raptors want to win. And they are willing to pay the price to do it.

FAQs

1. Why are the Clippers giving up Leonard?

They do not want to pay him. He is 34 and misses a lot of games. The Clippers are moving on. The Raptors are ready to give him a two-year, $123.7 million deal. Leonard wants to sign it. That is why this trade is close.

2. Are the Raptors keeping RJ Barrett?

That is the plan. They want to trade Ingram instead. Barrett averaged 19.3 points last year. He played well in the playoffs. He is Canadian. Fans love him. The team sees him as a core piece with Scottie Barnes.

3. Are there other trades coming?

Maybe. They are looking at Ja Morant. Memphis is ready to move on from him. Jalen Duren is another name. Detroit and Duren cannot agree on a contract. Kyrie Irving was mentioned but Dallas does not want to trade him. The Raptors are exploring all options.

4. What is the Raptors' biggest problem right now?

Center. Jakob Poeltl is their starter. He has not played 60 games in any of the last three seasons. Back issues keep bothering him. His contract is huge. Four years left at over $100 million. That is a lot for a guy who cannot stay on the floor. They need a reliable big man.