League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Kawhi Leonard reveals personal reason for Raptors return

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 9:17 AM

Last updated Sep 17, 2026

Kawhi Leonard reveals personal reason for Raptors return

Summary

Kawhi Leonard's trade back to the Toronto Raptors from the Los Angeles Clippers was influenced by personal reasons, primarily to show his son his birthplace. The trade, initially agreed upon in June, faced delays due to the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers for cap circumvention. Leonard, who won a championship with the Raptors in 2019, stated he wanted his son to experience Toronto rather than just hear stories about it. Despite other teams showing interest, including the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves, Leonard chose the Raptors for deeper personal connections.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Leonard traded to Raptors from Clippers in September.
•Chose Toronto over Pistons and Timberwolves offers.
•Trade completion delayed by NBA investigation.
•Leonard aims to show his son Toronto's significance.
•Previously won NBA Championship with Raptors in 2019.

Latest Updates

9:17 AMYahoo Sports — ‘My son…’ – Kawhi Leonard reveals personal reason why he chose Raptors over other NBA teams

What they're saying

"
Kawhi Leonard’s decision to return to the Toronto Raptors via trade from the Los Angeles Clippers was motivated by a personal reason. The Raptors and Clippers agreed on a Kawhi Leonard trade in June, but had to wait till mid-September to complete the trade after the NBA’s punishment on the Clippers for cap circumvention.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Los Angeles Clippers Minnesota Timberwolves Toronto Raptors NBA Basketball