Could Kawhi Leonard be headed back to the Raptors? Well, perhaps.
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Toronto and the Clippers have held trade discussions this weekend involving the two-time NBA Finals MVP.
Fischer reported that Toronto would prefer to build a package around Brandon Ingram rather than RJ Barrett for salary-matching purposes if negotiations continue.
The Raptors have been linked to several star-level trade targets this offseason as they look to add another marquee player alongside Scottie Barnes. Leonard, of course, led Toronto to its lone NBA championship in 2019 before departing for his hometown Clippers in free agency.
For their part, the Clippers have maintained a preference to keep Leonard. League sources previously told Fischer the organization was not looking to move the five-time All-NBA forward despite interest from multiple teams before the February trade deadline.
Still, Leonard is entering the final year of his contract, and questions remain about whether Los Angeles is prepared to commit to another long-term extension worth more than $50 million annually.
According to Fischer, Leonard is believed to be open to signing an extension with only two teams if he’s traded — the Raptors and Spurs.
Whether anything ultimately comes from the discussions remains to be seen.
Today, though, Toronto appears to have genuine interest in exploring a reunion with the player who delivered the franchise’s lone NBA title.
MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by team
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
