It was June 30 when the basketball world was surprised when the Los Angeles Clippers traded away Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. Fast forward to today, and the deal still hasn't gone through, as the league has put everything on hold.
Leonard's name was involved in a shady off-court deal he allegedly made with an LA-based company, Aspiration. Because the NBA has yet to render its verdict, the Clippers-Raptors deal has not been given the green light.
Can the original framework be reconstructed? There may be a path to make the deal much bigger and wilder. But this time, it involves three teams, not just two.
Jalen Duren Joins Kawhi Leonard In Toronto
The original deal between the Clippers and the Raptors was straightforward. The Clippers receive Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks (2031, 2033), a 2027 pick swap, and two second-round picks in 2030 and 2033.
The Toronto Raptors will receive Kawhi Leonard, the team's Finals MVP winner in 2019.
But with the deal on hold, there may be an avenue to expand it into a three-team deal that could make Jalen Duren a Raptor next season.
Clippers receive: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, 2 first-round picks, 2 first-round picks swap
Pistons receive: RJ Barrett, 1 first-round pick
Raptors receive: Kawhi Leonard, Jalen Duren
Why Clippers, Detroit, and Toronto Agree To This Deal
It's safe to presume that Kawhi's time with the Clippers has peaked. He was often injured and failed to advance deep in the playoffs. It was time for a reset for both parties. While Ingram and Dick are good players, getting future assets will be the main prize in this deal.
Throughout the offseason, the Pistons have hesitated to give Duren the kind of deal he covets. However, even though the talented big man took a massive leap last season, his play during the 2026 playoffs was alarming. That gave Detroit a pause when it came to extending Duren. It might be time to trade him instead of dealing with locker room issues in 2027.
And for the Raptors, this reconstructed deal is a no-brainer. They get Kawhi Leonard back, plus Jalen Duren, a legitimate all-star big man.
The post Raptors Bring Kawhi Leonard Back To Toronto & Land Jalen Duren In Massive Trade Proposal originally published on Total Pro Sports.