Kawhi Leonard strongly expects Raptors trade to go through, extension in play

Kawhi Leonard apparently isn’t sweating the uncertainty surrounding his stalled trade to the Raptors.

In fact, he seems pretty convinced he’ll be back in Toronto before training camp.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Leonard “strongly believes” the trade between the Clippers and Raptors will ultimately be completed once the NBA finishes its investigation into alleged salary-cap circumvention involving Leonard and Los Angeles.

That part isn’t necessarily new. Leonard has been expected to land in Toronto once the league reaches a conclusion.

What is new is the apparent long-term plan. Per Fischer, the trade was agreed to with the understanding that Leonard and the Raptors would also discuss a multiyear contract extension, potentially making the reunion much more than a one-season stop.

Leonard is entering the final year of his current contract and is due more than $50 million this season.

Toronto agreed to send Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and a significant package of draft capital to Los Angeles for Leonard before the deal was placed on hold by the league.

The investigation remains ongoing, and there’s still no official timetable for a ruling. But Leonard’s confidence suggests those involved in the deal remain optimistic it will eventually be cleared.

That would put Leonard back with the franchise he led to the 2019 championship, only this time alongside Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a considerably different Raptors roster.

So while the Clippers continue waiting to learn what punishment, if any, may be coming their way, Leonard appears focused on something else entirely.

Namely, getting back to Toronto — and perhaps staying there for a while.