Trade chatter surrounding Kawhi Leonard gained momentum Monday, with multiple reports indicating the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors are actively exploring a deal that would send the two-time Finals MVP back to Canada.
Clippers, Raptors pushing for agreement
ESPN’s Shams Charania said on SportsCenter that both clubs appear “motivated” to strike a trade, adding that Leonard’s stint in Los Angeles “may be nearing its end.” NBA insider Chris Haynes told NBA TV it will be difficult for the Clippers to “put the toothpaste back in the tube” and keep the forward for next season.
Disagreement on Toronto’s offer
According to Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints, Toronto has offered Brandon Ingram, rookie guard Gradey Dick and a first-round pick. L.A. views the proposal as lopsided and has not shown interest. Sportsnet’s Michael Grange reported Toronto is unwilling to include All-Rookie forward Collin Murray-Boyles or young wing JaKobe Walter.
Ballmer eyeing another star
Should Leonard be moved, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer wants to remain in playoff contention and would prefer a replacement of similar stature. League sources told ClutchPoints that Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown tops the wish list, though a clear path to acquire him remains uncertain.
Jaylen Brown market described as ‘lukewarm’
Brown, who guided Boston to 56 wins while Jayson Tatum missed significant time, is reportedly frustrated with the team’s offseason direction, The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach wrote. Still, a league source told the newspaper Brown could stay in Boston if “uncomfortable conversations” occur. On ESPN’s NBA Today, Charania, Brian Windhorst and Bobby Marks said the Celtics’ asking price of four first-round picks has not found traction, with Marks labeling Brown’s market “lukewarm.”
Additional trade notes
Buddy Hield: Despite guaranteeing the guard’s $19 million salary for 2026-27, the Atlanta Hawks are discussing multiple scenarios that could flip Hield before opening night, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported.
Anthony Davis: Anthony Slater of ESPN wrote there has been “no tangible movement” toward a Warriors-Wizards deal involving the Lakers star.
Trey Murphy III: Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports said several clubs have dangled two first-rounders for the Pelicans wing, but New Orleans wants at least three.
Nikola Jovic / Norman Powell: O’Connor added Miami is shopping Jovic to free cap space aimed at re-signing guard Norman Powell.
Cameron Johnson: Sam Amick of The Athletic reported Dallas has joined the list of teams pursuing Denver’s forward. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints stated the Nuggets have discussed Johnson with multiple clubs, making him Denver’s likeliest trade chip.
The NBA’s offseason trade landscape remains fluid, with front offices weighing star-level swings against draft-pick hauls as July approaches.
Source: HoopsRumors
