Grading Clippers, Raptors Kawhi Leonard swap: Which team won the trade?

Breaking news just keeps coming out of Los Angeles. On the day where the topic of conversation has been LeBron James and his decision to not return to the Lakers, the other LA team got busy in the headlines.

The Los Angeles Clippers executed a deal with the Toronto Raptors to send them Kawhi Leonard in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap and two second-round picks, according to multiple reports.

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Leonard is coming off a career year where he averaged 27.4 points per game in his 14th NBA season. He returns to the Raptors, a familiar scene for Leonard, who won the 2019 championship and Finals MVP in Toronto.

As for LA, they lose a bonafide superstar but also bring back a player familiar with the area. Ingram was drafted by the Lakers as the No. 2 overall selection in the 2016 NBA Draft and now returns to southern California a decade later. Additionally, they bring in Dick, who has high basketball IQ, moves without the ball and can knock down 3-pointers at an elite level.

The cherry on top is all of the picks that Clippers accumulated: two firsts, two seconds and an added pick swap.

The Clippers lose star power, but Ingram and Dick will prove to be good fits around Darius Garland and Benedict Mathurin, who arrived midseason last year following trades. Appearing in 77 games during the 2025-26 season, Ingram averaged 21.5 points on 47.7% shooting, including 38% from 3-point distance.

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It’s rare that trades actually benefit both team and address areas of need. This is one those rare cases. USA TODAY Sports grades the blockbuster swap.

More: Clippers roster and starting lineup after Kawhi Leonard trade

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Kawhi Leonard is reuniting with the Raptors. Relive their title run

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) lifts up the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy after defeating Golden State Warriors for the NBA Championship in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena.

(Kelvin Kuo, USA TODAY Sports)

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Kawhi Leonard is reuniting with the Raptors. Relive their title run

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) lifts up the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy…

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Publish date : 2026-06-30 21:52:00

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