Kawhi Returns to Toronto Amid Trade Drama | Toronto Raptors News

Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto just got a whole lot more dramatic — and expensive. After a three-month trade saga involving Brandon Ingram, future picks, and a controversial pick swap that allegedly bent NBA cap rules, Steve Ballmer’s Clippers were slapped with a $50 million fine and lost five first-round draft picks. Kawhi himself paid a $700K penalty, but the stats speak louder: he averaged nearly 28 points and 2 steals per game last season while playing 65 games — elite defense plus scoring firepower. With Kawhi healthy, the Raptors’ defensive identity returns in full force, making them a serious Eastern Conference contender again — maybe even a repeat of their 2019 championship run. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b714450c2edaf105