Seven years and three playoff series wins later, Kawhi Leonard has been traded back to the Toronto Raptors. In return, the LA Clippers received Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap, and two second-round picks. Though it’s a sad moment for the fans and organization, given that Leonard is arguably the greatest Clipper ever, the front office significantly elevated the team’s future by acquiring young players and draft capital.
BREAKING: Los Angeles Clippers are finalizing a deal to send 7-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/Epbvrkp3Y7
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 30, 2026
The next era is officially here, centered around youth, but the Clippers will still be competing for a spot in the Western Conference playoffs with Brandon Ingram at the helm and Darius Garland by his side.
This trade, off the rip, looks like a massive win for the Clippers. And, on the other hand, the Raptors get exactly what they need.
The trade of Kawhi Leonard made the Clippers’ future brighter than it already is
When looking at the trade of Kawhi Leonard, the initial asset(s) the Toronto Raptors gave up that catch the eye, outside of Brandon Ingram, are the picks. The LA Clippers already had the Indiana Pacers’ unprotected 2029 first, and now they added a bunch more by letting go of a 35-year-old superstar that had one year left on his contract.
So, if the Clippers’ scouting department and front office do their job to the utmost extent, fans should expect to see many rising young stars enter LA’s organization over the years.
After that is Gradey Dick, who was expected to be dealt one way or another following an extremely disappointing third year for the Raptors.
However, with Dick, it’s important to note the season he had before, which is why there is a ton of optimism hovering above his name.
In 2024-25, Dick played 54 games and averaged 14.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, shooting 41.0% from the field and 35.0% from beyond the arc. He’s also just 22 years old and was selected 13th overall in 2023.
If you combine the return the Clippers got for Leonard, plus the draft capital in possession, Keaton Wagler, Baba Miller, Darius Garland, Kobe Sanders, Yanic Konan Niderhauser, and much more, it’s pretty easy to see the future of LA has so much potential.
Will it take thorough development, patience, and trial/error? Yes. But when it’s all said and done, the Clippers did great in building a foundation as solid as a rock for the foreseeable future.
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