Clippers Contemplate Kawhi Leonard Trade

The Los Angeles Clippers are in a bit of a predicament regarding Kawhi Leonard, or so reports indicate. They’ve been engaged in “serious discussions” about potentially trading him to the Toronto Raptors, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.

Leonard’s history with Toronto is notable; he spent one season there after being traded from the Spurs in the summer of 2018 and then signed with the Clippers the following offseason.

The 2018-2019 season stands out for Leonard, as he helped the Raptors clinch their first championship, even earning the Finals MVP title after they defeated the Warriors.

Fischer also mentioned that if a reunion between Leonard and Toronto were on the table, the Raptors would prefer trading Brandon Ingram rather than RJ Barrett. Ingram, who was picked by the Lakers as the No. 2 overall choice in the 2016 NBA Draft, is somewhat familiar with the city.

Last season, Ingram averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, making it his second All-Star appearance. Meanwhile, Barrett, who went third overall in the 2019 draft, contributed 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game last season.

Leonard is in the final year of his contract, with a hefty salary of $50.3 million this season. Ingram is set to earn $40 million next season, plus he has a player option for $41.9 million the year after.

Additionally, if Leonard and the Clippers can’t reach a contract extension this year, trading him could become a more serious consideration this offseason. There’s also chatter that the Warriors are eyeing a trade involving Leonard, suggesting that a bidding war could inflate the Clippers’ asking price significantly.