From CBS Sports · · 1m 40s
Kawhi finally heads to Toronto after two-month wait
The Raptors land their star scorer and can now build an Eastern Conference contender around Scottie Barnes.
In brief
The Raptors land their star scorer and can now build an Eastern Conference contender around Scottie Barnes. Toronto traded Brandon Ingram and multiple draft picks to get Kawhi Leonard, who gives them a legitimate shot at competing in the East after a first-round exit last season. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Kawhi trade finally official after two months
The Raptors and Clippers completed their deal on Monday night after the NBA finished investigating whether the Clippers illegally directed money to Leonard through endorsements.
Toronto gives up Ingram and future picks
The Raptors sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 pick swap, and two second-rounders to Los Angeles.
Clippers accept penalties for cap violations
The league stripped Los Angeles of five first-round picks from 2029 to 2033 after determining they illegally circumvented the salary cap to pay Leonard more money through endorsements.
“committing to put this chapter behind us”
Leonard coming off his healthiest season
Leonard played 65 games last season, finished seventh in MVP voting, and earned All-NBA second-team honors. His health remains the biggest concern for Toronto.
Leonard frees up Scottie Barnes
Barnes can now move into a Scottie Pippen-style role without needing to be the primary closer. Leonard becomes Toronto's late-game scorer and isolation threat.
Ingram was a poor fit in Toronto
Ingram averaged 21.5 points but Toronto was nine points worse per 100 possessions when he played. He struggled in the playoffs as the Raptors lost to Cleveland in the first round.
Raptors now have Eastern Conference hopes
Toronto won 46 games last season with a top-six defense and pushed Cleveland to seven games. Adding Leonard gives them legitimate contender status in an improving East.
The essence
Toronto traded Brandon Ingram and multiple draft picks to get Kawhi Leonard, who gives them a legitimate shot at competing in the East after a first-round exit last season.
