NBA Rumors: Raptors, Kawhi Leonard, Heat, Simone Fontecchio, Blazers

Raptors

The Raptors and Clippers may be closing in on one of the biggest trades of the offseason.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, a deal sending Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto could be finalized as soon as Tuesday.

Windhorst reported the two teams have already agreed on the player portion of the package, with Brandon Ingram expected to head to Los Angeles. Gradey Dick has also been linked to the discussions.

The remaining hurdle appears to be draft compensation.

Toronto controls all of its first-round picks through 2033, and Windhorst said the Clippers are seeking multiple first-rounders as negotiations continue.

One key factor driving the talks is Leonard’s contract situation.

“The Raptors are willing to offer Leonard an extension, and Leonard is willing to sign in Toronto,” Windhorst said, adding that the Clippers have not put any extension offer on the table.

Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported Los Angeles still believes Leonard is among the league’s top 15 players and wants greater draft compensation before completing a deal.

Meanwhile, Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported there was “clear momentum” in negotiations late Monday night.

Heat

The Heat are bringing back one of their perimeter shooters.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Miami has agreed to a one-year contract with free agent forward Simone Fontecchio.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported the deal is for the veteran minimum.

Fontecchio averaged 8.5 points and shot 37.5 percent from three-point range in 70 games with Miami last season after arriving in the Duncan Robinson sign-and-trade.

The Heat continue to prioritize floor spacing around Bam Adebayo and newly acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo. Miami is also expected to remain active in free agency, though retaining Norman Powell may require additional salary-cap maneuvering.

Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers have taken one of the top available centers off the market.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Robert Williams III has agreed to return to Portland on a three-year, $44 million contract.

Williams appeared in 59 games last season, averaging 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks while serving as Donovan Clingan‘s primary backup.

Jason Quick of The Athletic reported Williams recently contacted team officials to express his desire to remain in Portland, citing his belief in the organization’s direction under new coach Micah Nori.

The deal also keeps Portland comfortably below the luxury tax while preserving flexibility to pursue additional help after trading Jerami Grant and Kris Murray in the Ja Morant blockbuster.

With Williams off the board, teams still searching for frontcourt depth — including the Lakers, Celtics, Nets and Pelicans — will now have one fewer veteran center available as free agency gets underway.