Kawhi Leonard Returns to Raptors, RJ Barrett’s Future in Focus
Kawhi Leonard has rejoined the Toronto Raptors after spending seven seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers. When he left Toronto in 2019, Leonard had just secured the city’s first NBA championship and aimed to replicate that success with the Clippers. However, over the years, the Clippers fell short, missing the playoffs in 2025-26 and exiting in the first round in the preceding three years.
Many fans ponder what might have happened if Leonard had remained in Toronto. At that time, the Raptors were centered around Leonard and Kyle Lowry. They were supported by experienced players like Serge Ibaka, Marc Gasol, and Danny Green, along with promising talents such as Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and Norman Powell. Had Leonard stayed, the team might have continued to thrive, potentially retaining many of these players.
Instead, Leonard departed, prompting the Raptors to rebuild. Now, he returns to a team featuring an entirely new roster, including RJ Barrett. Barrett, a Toronto native and the former No. 3 overall pick from the New York Knicks, has played some of his best basketball with the Raptors. During the playoff series against the Cavaliers, he led the team with averages of 24.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over 38.7 minutes per game.
Draymond Green recently discussed Leonard’s return and Barrett’s future on his podcast. “I bet you the Raptors feel like they have a chance mixing Kawhi with Scottie Barnes,” Green said. He speculated about a potential move for Barrett, noting the increasing need for ball-handling roles. Green also wondered if Leonard now regrets leaving Canada given the lucrative offers at the time.
Barrett, now 26, is entering the final year of his contract, worth $29.6 million, before becoming an unrestricted free agent. Despite his strong performance and scoring ability, with a field-goal percentage of 49.1% last year, the Raptors might consider trading him if a major opportunity arises. However, his value to the team goes beyond statistics. Barrett has become the emotional core of the Raptors, offering versality and physicality on the court.
For now, unless the Raptors see a significant trade that could elevate the team, Barrett is likely to remain. As a hometown player, his presence holds meaningful significance, making any decision to move him a complex one.