Kawhi Leonard hires new agent ahead of Raptors extension talks
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Kawhi Leonard has changed representation as he prepares to negotiate what may be the last significant contract of his NBA career.
The 35-year-old forward has retained Harrison Gaines of SLASH Sports to lead upcoming extension discussions with the Toronto Raptors, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Gaines has worked as Leonard’s business attorney for the past year, and formal talks are expected to begin within the next few days.
Leonard is entering the final season of his current deal and can sign a two-year extension worth up to $123.7 million, ESPN salary-cap analyst Bobby Marks reported. He is scheduled to earn $50.3 million in 2024-25.
The move ends Leonard’s long-standing partnership with agent Mitch Frankel and his uncle and advisor Dennis Robertson. Frankel negotiated Leonard’s contracts with the Los Angeles Clippers, including a three-year extension signed in 2024.
Toronto’s willingness to extend Leonard was a key factor in the star’s decision to engineer a return to Canada. Last week, the Clippers sent Leonard to the Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and two second-round selections.
Charania noted that several teams, among them the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons, explored trade possibilities before the NBA Draft. Interest cooled once it became clear Leonard intended to commit long-term only in Toronto.
Leonard previously played for the Raptors in 2018-19, winning an NBA championship and Finals MVP honors. Familiarity with the organization, fondness for the city, and confidence in the roster’s competitiveness reportedly influenced his decision to return.
Source: Hoops Wire
