Kawhi Leonard Raptors deal is the focus for ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, who urged fans not to lose sight of the forward’s performance amid the controversy that has followed him over the past year.
Leonard has departed the Los Angeles Clippers, and the organization is moving on as well. Much of the recent conversation around the 35-year-old has centered on the Aspiration scandal. He is now with the Toronto Raptors after signing a 2-year, 115 million dollar contract extension, committing to a push for another championship.
While some fans remain critical of Leonard’s behavior, discussion on social platforms has not abated. Windhorst cautioned that it should not overshadow what Leonard still delivers on the floor.
Why the Kawhi Leonard Raptors deal merits celebration
Leonard delivered at an elite level last season. He earned All-NBA Second Team honors, was selected as an All-Star, and finished seventh in MVP voting.
He averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and nearly two steals per game for the Clippers in 2025-26. Windhorst said that is precisely why Toronto should welcome having him under contract for the next three years.
“Regardless of what you think of him, or anybody thinks of the way he operated during the Clippers’ tenure, on the court last year he was spectacular,” Windhorst said on ESPN. “And he drove incredible value to the Clippers in the trade because of that season. Frankly, for the last year and a half, ever since he came off his most recent surgery, he has played spectacular basketball.”
Windhorst added that pairing Leonard in Toronto with the team’s core, highlighting Scottie Barnes after his breakout year, gives the Raptors clear reason to celebrate securing the forward.
Leonard is 35 and has appeared in 65 or more games in two of the past three seasons. With a resume that includes two NBA Finals MVPs, the Raptors could see significant upside from the acquisition and the new contract.