Kawhi Leonard’s Potential 2-Year Raptors Extension Stance Delivers Crushing Blow to Heat’s Trade Hopes
· Yahoo Sports
Kawhi Leonard is back with the Toronto Raptors after the deal with the Los Angeles Clippers finally happened. Before he returned to Toronto, however, other NBA teams wanted to trade for Leonard. According to previous reports, the Detroit Pistons and the Minnesota Timberwolves were interested in the two-time NBA champion.
On Sunday, league insider Marc Stein of “The Stein Line” reported that the Miami Heat showed interest in Leonard. The Heat had recently acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. They also added veteran star Klay Thompson.
Visit extract-html.com for more information.
However, Leonard was only interested in signing a contract extension with two teams: the Raptors and the San Antonio Spurs.
Jan 26, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles the ball against Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports“As The Stein Line first reported in June, Leonard made it known amid interest from trade suitors such as Miami, Minnesota, Detroit that he would only be interested in signing an extension with the Raptors or San Antonio (which did not pursue a trade for him),” Stein reported.
The Miami Heat reportedly showed interest in Kawhi Leonard before he was traded to Toronto, but he was only willing to sign an extension with Toronto or San Antonio, per @TheSteinLine
“As The Stein Line first reported in June, Leonard made it known amid interest from trade… pic.twitter.com/2RL7bYpssX
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 20, 2026
Kawhi Leonard is in the final year of his three-year, $149.5 million contract extension he signed with the Clippers in 2024. It has been reported that the upcoming contract extension he will eventually receive from the Raptors could be his final NBA deal. Leonard is expected to sign a two-year deal with Toronto, where he could likely finish his career.
Reports suggest Kawhi Leonard’s potential new contract with the Raptors could fall between $124 million and $126 million.
Fred VanVleet Reacts to Kawhi Leonard’s Return to the Raptors
Only a handful of players from Toronto’s 2019 championship team remain active in the NBA today. One of them is Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet, who shared his thoughts on Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto.
VanVleet was asked about Leonard’s trade during Kyle Lowry’s block party on Saturday.
“I mean, listen, they didn’t get worse,” the one-time All-Star said. “It didn’t get worse.
“I’m excited for the city. I’m excited for the organization. It’s good to see [Kawhi] back and yeah, they’ll be a damn good team, especially in the East. They’re going to be a tough out.”
“They didn’t get worse” . Fred VanVleet on his 2019 championship teammate with the Raptors Kawhi Leonard, going back to the organization. #raptors#kawhileonard@HardRockBetpic.twitter.com/Uzn3Y22y8K
— Hoop There It Is (@HoopThereItIs__) September 19, 2026
While Leonard did most of the heavy lifting for the Raptors in 2019, VanVleet also contributed. As the Raptors’ backup guard, he averaged 14.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists through six games against the Golden State Warriors.
VanVleet is now with the Rockets, and he’s expected to return for the 2026-27 season after missing the previous campaign due to a torn ACL injury in his right knee.
More NBA News: