local
Kawhi Leonard going back to Toronto after Raptors make deal with Clippers, AP source says
By Tim Reynolds, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 30, 2026
· 2 min read
Kawhi Leonard is headed back to the Toronto Raptors, after they struck a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers to reunite with the player who led their run to the 2019 NBA championship, a person with knowledge of the talks said Tuesday.The Raptors are sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-r...
Key takeaway Leonard is a seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA selection, a two-time NBA champion (also winning in 2014 with San Antonio) and is generally considered one of the game's top defensive players.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
For Magnolia residents who follow the NBA, Kawhi Leonard's return to the Toronto Raptors may seem like a distant development, but it has implications for the local sports landscape. The trade involving Leonard, a two-time NBA champion, is a reminder that the Houston Rockets, who play just down the road from Magnolia, will face stiffer competition in the league. As the Rockets look to rebuild and compete in the Western Conference, they will likely face Leonard and the Raptors in upcoming seasons, potentially affecting their chances of making a deep playoff run. Additionally, the trade may influence how the Rockets approach their own roster construction and free agency decisions, as they try to keep pace with other top teams in the league. With the NBA offseason in full swing, Magnolia sports fans will be watching to see how the Rockets respond to this and other moves around the league.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Kawhi Leonard is headed back to the Toronto Raptors, after they struck a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers to reunite with the player who led their run to the 2019 NBA championship, a person with knowledge of the talks said Tuesday.The Raptors are sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-r...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tim Reynolds, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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