Raptors officially sign $115M two-time NBA champion, 9-time All-Star to pair with Scottie Barnes

The Toronto Raptors strengthened their roster by securing a two-year, $115 million contract extension with Kawhi Leonard, a two-time NBA champion and nine-time All-Star, on Wednesday. The deal, announced by the team, does not disclose the financial terms. Leonard, 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds, averaged career-high production of 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 65 games last season while playing for the Los Angeles Clippers.

The contract extension, coupled with a player option for the 2028-29 season, marks the culmination of a month-long legal investigation into the Clippers and Leonard, which led to the deal's finalization. Leonard, expressing contentment with his return to Toronto, emphasized that the city and its community made him feel at home, citing his family's connection to the city as a significant factor in his decision.

Despite his desire to avoid championship-hunting, Leonard's tenure in Toronto appears promising as the organization aims to establish a strong foundation for playoff contention in the coming seasons.