Raptors finalize Kawhi Leonard trade, ready for Eastern Conference competition
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 15, 2026, 5:30 PM
Last updated Sep 15, 2026
The Toronto Raptors have officially completed the trade for Kawhi Leonard, marking his return ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. Several Eastern Conference teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavs, have also made significant roster changes this summer. Last season, the Raptors finished with a 46-36 record, and they seek to improve upon that amid strong competition. The addition of Leonard aims to bolster a roster that includes All-Stars Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett. Toronto will be challenged by the 76ers and Cavs, who have strengthened their lineups. Their immediate schedule includes matchups against key rivals like the Miami Heat and defending champions, the New York Knicks.
- •Kawhi Leonard returns to the Raptors after leaving in 2019.
- •Toronto finished fifth in the Eastern Conference last season.
- •The Raptors aim to secure a top-5 seed in upcoming playoffs.
- •Competition includes strengthened teams like the 76ers and Cavs.
- •Toronto plays the Heat and Knicks in their early schedule.
- 5:30 PMYahoo Sports — Where Raptors stand in Eastern Conference hierarchy after finally completing Kawhi Leonard trade
"The Toronto Raptors’ trade for Kawhi Leonard is official as the 2019 Finals MVP returns to the North ahead of the 2026-27 season. Leonard returns to the Eastern Conference, where a handful of teams have made major roster changes this summer, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavs, and Miami Heat. The Raptors followed suit […] The post Where Raptors stand in Eastern Conference hierarchy after finally completing Kawhi Leonard trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.
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