[Grange] According to sources, the 35-year-old (Kawhi) is unlikely to get an extension from the Clippers and is open to finding a team that would extend his deal beyond the upcoming season. “The Clippers aren’t going to commit to anything with him, so it looks like he’s trying to strong-arm his way
The most likely construction of the deal would centre on a package including 2026 all-star Brandon Ingram and third-year wing Gradey Dick, which would work in terms of salary matching, per one source. The Raptors would likely have to add some draft picks as additional compensation.
Leonard has one year and $50.3 million left on his contract. According to sources, the 35-year-old is unlikely to get an extension from the Clippers and is open to finding a team that would extend his deal beyond the upcoming season.
“The Clippers aren’t going to commit to anything with him, so it looks like he’s trying to strong-arm his way out of there,” said one source.
Said another: “The Clippers are willing to move him … and I think a lot of teams are wary of acquiring Kawhi because you just don’t know if he’s going to play … there’s risk there, obviously. Toronto had him, and so maybe feels more comfortable that he would play for them, could play for them.”
There are also constructions that work with Raptors wing RJ Barrett’s expiring deal as the basis of a trade, but I have been told that the Canadian national team star is not likely to be part of any Clippers deal.
Exactly how determined the Raptors are to make the trade to acquire Leonard isn’t entirely clear either. A couple of different sources on Sunday suggested a move could be pending, but the predominant view seems to be that things are moving a little more slowly.
“They’ve talked, but it’s pretty preliminary,” said one source. “It’s not close,” said another.
Source: https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/raptors-discussing-possibility-of-reuniting-with-kawhi-leonard/