Kawhi Leonard Signs $115M Raptors Extension — SkimNews
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- Kawhi Leonard agreed to a 2-year, $115M extension with the Raptors including a player option for the 2028-29 season, bringing his total commitment to three years and $165M.
- Leonard took $11M less than his maximum extension number and waived a $7.45M trade kicker to accommodate his return trade and preserve flexibility for the Raptors' rising salary books.
- The Raptors re-acquired Leonard from the LA Clippers on June 30, sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap, and two second-rounders.
- The NBA paused the trade in early July to investigate salary cap circumvention allegations against the Clippers, ultimately punishing the franchise with the loss of five future first-rounders, a $30M fine, and a one-year suspension for owner Steve Ballmer.
- Leonard paid $700,000 in restitution for improper benefits provided by his uncle and former business representative Dennis Robertson, whom he fired in June along with agent Mitch Frankel, later hiring Harrison Gaines of Slash Sports.
- Leonard, 35, is coming off the highest-scoring season of his career (27.9 points in 65 games) and is a seven-time All-Star and two-time Finals MVP (2014 with San Antonio, 2019 with Toronto).
Why it matters: Leonard, 35, committed through age 37 by taking $11M less than his maximum, signaling the Raptors intend to compete in the Eastern Conference around him. Toronto paid a steep price to bring him back: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected firsts, and a pick swap — return assets the Clippers' punishment further devalued.
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