Report: Raptors, Leonard nearing agreement on contract extension
Kawhi Leonard might be in Toronto for longer than one season this time. The Raptors and Leonard are nearing agreement on a contract extension, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on Thursday. Leonard is eligible to sign a two-year deal for a maximum of $126.1 million that would take him through the 2028-29 season. He is […]
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Toronto Raptors and star player Kawhi Leonard are close to reaching an agreement on a contract extension. The deal would extend Leonard's stay with the team through the 2028-29 season, with the maximum payout reaching $126.1 million over two years. Leonard currently earns $50.3 million for the 2023-24 season, which is the final year of his three-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers.
He had a standout season in 2022-23, averaging 27.9 points per game and shooting 62.9% true shooting, earning him a spot in the top seven MVP voting.
Leonard's return to Toronto was the result of a trade that was finalized on Monday. The Raptors sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick in a swap, and two second-round picks to the Clippers. This trade had been put on hold in July while the NBA investigated potential salary-cap violations by the Clippers.
However, the Raptors are still within their salary cap limits, with the new deal keeping them at the "first apron." Notably, Leonard has waived his entire 15% trade kicker, and Sportsnet's Blake Murphy reported this fact.
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