As of now, the team showing the most interest in Kawhi Leonard is the Toronto Raptors. The reunion makes sense when you think about it, and per Jake Fischer of ‘The Stein Line,' trade discussions have been real and ongoing. Fischer followed up that report with another, noting that it is the Raptors’ preference to send Brandon Ingram to the Clippers rather than RJ Barrett.
In discussions with the Clippers, sources say Toronto has expressed a preference in dealing Brandon Ingram to Los Angeles, as opposed to RJ Barrett.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 28, 2026
Our story from Thursday, first revealing this possible reunion between the Raptors and Kawhi Leonard: https://t.co/3cXkUpMI6X https://t.co/TYzPyik4sB
However, if the Raptors really want Leonard, who gives them a ridiculously good shot at winning a ring next season, they’re going to have to budge; it doesn’t make sense, from an age and financial standpoint, for the Clippers to hit the accept button in the trade portal on Ingram.
So, at the end of the day, the ball is in the Raptors’ court. They can let go of Barrett and complete the reunion, or be the reason Leonard doesn’t return, and later on, regret how everything turned out.
The Clippers need RJ Barrett in the deal to agree to send Kawhi
In all honesty, requiring RJ Barrett to be in a deal for Kawhi Leonard should’ve been a given for the Toronto Raptors. There’s just no way they thought a clear top-seven player in basketball last season would be traded to them without the inclusion of one of their top young performers.
Financially, Barrett’s deal expires next summer, and it’s just under $30 million. That’s solid value, and when the realization kicks in that he’ll be in a prove-it year for the LA Clippers, if dealt, it makes the idea of landing him in a trade so much better.
He’ll essentially be forced to play well and take every little precaution to stay healthy in order to receive a hefty payday from the Clippers’ front office.
Then comes the topic of age, and Barrett just turned 26. This fits right into the Clippers’ timeline, as Garland is also 26.
Brandon Ingram, on the other hand, will be 29 before the 2026-27 season begins, and on top of that, he has two years left on his deal, with a player option, worth a fully guaranteed $81 million combined.
The cherry on top? Barrett dominated in the playoffs for the Raptors. He averaged 24.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, shooting 47.7% from the field and 38.6% from beyond the arc.
That said, Barrett certainly has more value than Ingram. But, for the Raptors to secure Leonard, they’ll have to make the sacrifice.
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