The Toronto Raptors never wanted Kawhi Leonard to leave seven years ago. And signs point to the two-time NBA Finals MVP returning to the team with which he won the 2019 championship. 

There are plenty of moving parts and some contradictory information kicking around, but two sources close to the situation that I spoke with on Sunday confirmed that the Raptors have discussed the possibility of a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers that would bring the 2025 second-team all-NBA selection back to Toronto. The Raptors' interest in Leonard was first reported by Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.

The most likely construction of the deal would centre on a package including 2025 all-star Brandon Ingram and third-year wing Gradey Dick, which would work in terms of salary matching, per one source. The Raptors would likely have to add some draft picks as additional compensation. 

Leonard has one-year and $50.3 million left on his contract. According to sources, the 35-year-old is unlikely to get an extension from the Clippers and is open to finding a team that would extend his deal beyond the upcoming season. 

“The Clippers aren’t going to commit to anything with him, so it looks like he’s trying to strong-arm his way out of there,” said one source.

Said another: “The Clippers are willing to move him … and I think a lot of teams are wary of acquiring Kawhi because you just don't know if he's going to play … there’s risk there, obviously. Toronto had him, and so maybe feels more comfortable that he would play for them, could play for........

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