After Being Fined $700,000, He Still Has a Big Contract Waiting in Toronto

After the NBA handed down its major punishment against the Clippers, Leonard was fined $700,000, but the path to Toronto has not been blocked. With the investigation concluded, the Raptors' blockbuster trade may not just be a gamble, but the beginning of a high-return long-term reunion.

Trade package set, only official announcement remains

The Raptors initially agreed to send Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, 2031 and 2033 first-round picks, 2030 and 2033 second-round picks, and a 2027 first-round pick swap to the Clippers in exchange for Leonard. The 2026-27 season will be the final year of his contract, and once the trade is officially completed, an extension would be the natural next step.

The outcome has received support from well-known NBA reporter Shams Charania, who previously said the trade was expected to proceed as planned. John Hollinger of The Athletic also believes the deal will be completed as scheduled.

“Toronto has an enticing extension waiting for him”

Hollinger said in his analysis: “The Clippers are getting two first-round picks, a second-round pick and a first-round pick swap, which are assets they desperately need because they just had half a decade of first-round picks taken away. The Clippers are not going to win much in the short term, and the original Leonard trade agreement already acknowledged that. Leonard is in the final year of his contract in Los Angeles, and if the Clippers keep him, his trade value will gradually decline. Once the trade is completed, he has an enticing extension waiting for him in Toronto.”

Hollinger added that the Raptors also have no reason to let the agreement fall apart, because if a Leonard reunion fails, they have no Plan B.

Leonard speaks for himself: Focus on what he can control

The two-time Finals MVP also appeared to personally confirm the direction of the trade: “When I get back to Toronto, I’m focused on what I can control, closing this chapter and moving forward with a clear record.”

The “clear record” refers to the now-completed investigation. Leonard was fined $700,000, but the league did not prevent him from going to Toronto. The Clippers, meanwhile, suffered significant losses.

Clippers suffer major losses, Raptors patiently await returns

The Clippers lost five future first-round picks from 2029 through 2033. Team owner Steve Ballmer was fined $30 million and suspended for one year. President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker was also suspended for one year, while President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank was suspended for six months. The Raptors waited patiently and can now officially move forward with the trade.

They are bringing back a player who helped the team win its first championship in franchise history in 2019. If everything goes smoothly, the Raptors may soon be able to keep Leonard on the roster beyond next season.

Extension contract could become the focus

Leonard's next contract may be the most closely watched part of the situation. Under the extension rules based on the trade structure, he could sign a two-year extension worth up to $123.7 million. Due to NBA salary cap rules, specific details will still need to be determined after the trade is officially completed.