Kawhi Leonard Is Back in Toronto
Kawhi Leonard is back with the Toronto Raptors after six seasons with the LA Clippers. The star is known for his success with the Toronto Raptors. He was a key player in the Raptors winning their first NBA title in 2019.
The return also begins a new chapter for Leonard and the Raptors. Whether in the present or the future, Leonard’s story can serve as an inspiration to Toronto’s team. Fans will get to see Leonard once again in a Raptors’ jersey.
The deal to land Leonard is finalized with the Clippers: Raptors officially sign on September 14, 2026. His return to Toronto gives the Raptors a much-needed boost and a chance to repeat their 2019 championship triumph.
Leonard has also agreed to a multi-year extension with Toronto. The NBA said the terms of Leonard’s deal were not released by Toronto.
A Return Seven Years Later
Leonard’s first stint with Toronto was during the 2018-19 season.
He was instrumental in the successes of the Raptors. The franchise’s first ever championship was won by Toronto over Golden State in the NBA Finals.
Why did Leonard leave Toronto ? Leonard was awarded the finals MVP award and left the Toronto Raptors after just one season to join his ‘hometown’ team, the LA Clippers.
More than seven years after he first donned it, Leonard is back in a Raptors jersey.
Strong Season With the Clippers
Leonard comes back to the Tor home after a tremendous 2025-26 season with the Clip.
Throughout his career he has averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 65 regular season games.
And the performance proved that Leonard still has the ability to change the game at either end of the floor.
A seven-time NBA All-Star, seven-time All-NBA, and two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
New Raptors Core
Leonard now re-joins a Toronto team very unlike the club he left.
The last year, the Raptors had a 46-36 record, earned the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, made it to the playoffs and fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.
Leonard will now join fellow players like Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.
Toronto will be hoping that Leonard’s experience can rub off on their up-and-coming core, and bring them one step closer to contention.
Focus on the New Season
Leonard has made it clear that he wants to dedicate himself to basketball following a trying offseason.
“They are happy I’m back. I’d like to move on with this team,” said at the media day in Toronto.
His return has triggered huge excitement among Toronto fans already.
With Leonard, the Raptors start a new chapter on the heel of their franchise’s greatest accomplishment. His scoring and defensive skills could be major factors in Toronto’s strategy for the 2026-27 season.
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