09/23/26 09:47:00
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09/23 09:45 CDT Raptors, Kawhi Leonard agree on 2-year, $115 million extension,
AP source says
Raptors, Kawhi Leonard agree on 2-year, $115 million extension, AP source says
By TIM REYNOLDS
AP Basketball Writer
Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors have agreed on a two-year contract
extension that could be worth $115 million if he plays both seasons, according
to a person with knowledge of the negotiations.
The second year of the deal, the 2028-29 season, is at Leonard's option,
according to the person who spoke Tuesday to The Associated Press on condition
of anonymity. The Raptors on Wednesday confirmed that the contract had been
signed, without releasing the terms, which were first reported by ESPN.
Leonard, 35, led the Raptors to the 2019 NBA title and is now locked into a new
deal with a team with eyes on competing for another title. He is coming off the
highest-scoring season of his career, averaging 27.9 points for the Los Angeles
Clippers in 65 games a year ago.
Leonard will make just over $50 million this season, the last year of his
current contract. It was generally assumed that the Raptors would strike a deal
to keep Leonard --- a seven-time All-Star, two-time NBA champion and two-time
NBA Finals MVP --- soon after landing him in a trade with the Clippers.
The sides agreed to that trade in late June but didn't complete it until
earlier this month, delaying the process because of the NBA's investigation
into whether the Clippers circumvented salary cap rules on Leonard's behalf.
The NBA found four deals that ran afoul of league rules, leading to a one-year
suspension of Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, the forfeiture of five first-round
draft picks, suspensions of other team personnel and a $30 million fine.
Leonard was fined $700,000 by the league but is not facing any suspension.
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