Raptors Handing Kawhi Leonard $115 Million Extension Enrages Fans – “One of the Best Con Artists in Sports History”

The Toronto Raptors are excited about their major trade acquiring Kawhi Leonard ahead of the regular season.

Raptors Handing Kawhi Leonard $115 Million Extension Enrages Fans – “One of the Best Con Artists in Sports History”

Kawhi Leonard (Image credits - Firstsportz)

Kawhi Leonard is back to the city where he won his second championship. It has been seven years since Leonard led the Toronto Raptors to their lone NBA championship before signing for the Los Angeles Clippers as a free agent.

The forward’s move to the Clippers signified the beginning of a new era in LA. Unfortunately, things did not pan out as hoped.

His stint with the Clippers was filled with injuries. Since his arrival in LA, the Clippers’ best postseason run came in 2021 when they reached the Western Conference Finals. After that run, they failed to win a single playoff series.

After missing the playoffs this year, the Clippers finally decided to part ways with their franchise player and traded him to the Raptors in the offseason. NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Kawhi Leonard and the Raptors have agreed on a two-year, $115 million deal on Tuesday.

Toronto Raptors All-NBA star Kawhi Leonard has agreed on a two-year, $115 million contract extension with the franchise, plus a player option for the 2028-29 season, agent Harrison Gaines of SLASH Sports tells ESPN.

Shams Charania on X

While the Clippers-Kawhi Leonard partnership turned out to be a disaster on the court, it has been marred by controversies and scandals over the past year. During the course of the 2025-26 campaign, investigations revealed that a number of hidden sponsorship deals were made between the two parties to circumvent the salary cap.

The allegations kickstarted an NBA investigation into the sponsorship deals. The investigation even put his move to the Raptors on hold. After the investigation was concluded, the NBA handed down strict punishments to the Clippers. However, Leonard was let off easy as he was handed a fine of $750k, and his move to the Raptors was finally given the green light.

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Fans react to Kawhi Leonard signing a two-year extension with the Raptors

Kawhi Leonard may have spent just one season in Toronto, but there is no doubt that he will forever be a part of their history. A lot of excitement has followed Leonard’s move to the Raptors.

Given his injury record over the past few years, NBA fans were surprised that the Raptors handed him a two-year contract extension.

Fans were left enraged that Kawhi Leonard was offered a deal even before making his first appearance. In his seven seasons with the Clippers, Leonard played more than 60 regular-season games just twice. It is a bold move by the Raptors as Leonard is a player with durability issues and is already 35 years old.

Kawhi Leonard’s new deal with the Raptors is a huge risk

When Kawhi Leonard lifted the championship with the Raptors in 2019, many viewed him as the best player in the league. However, injuries have always been a concern throughout his career. With Leonard at the back end of his career, it looks like he may be looking to end his career in Toronto.

Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard (Image credits – Yahoo Sports)

After his two-year contract extension was announced, ESPN insider Tim MacMahon revealed that people around the league don’t view it as a good contract for the Raptors.

Let’s not act like this is not a massive risk. This is a guy who’s played 60+ games, three times in the last 9 years… $115 million for a player with those durability issues, in his mid-30s that is a massive contract. That’s not a discount deal. A discount deal is Kevin Durant, 2-year, $90 million extension. This is $25 million more than that.

Tim MacMahon on NBA Today

While several concerns surround the two-time champion heading into the new season, it is also fair to say he is coming off his best individual campaign. Last season, he averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 65 appearances.

One of the main reasons for his impressive performances last season was his health. He finished seventh in the MVP race and if he is able to stay injury-free next season, then the Raptors fans should be happy about having him for the next three years.

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