Leonard hires a new agent and returns to the Raptors to begin contract extension negotiations.

July 7th - According to ESPN , Kawhi Leonard will begin contract extension negotiations with the Toronto Raptors after officially joining the team. He has also changed his agent team.

It is reported that Kawhi Leonard has hired Harrison Gaines of SLASH Sports as his new agent to handle his future contract negotiations. The two parties are expected to meet with the Raptors' management in Toronto this week to discuss Leonard's long-term plans.

Currently, Leonard has one year remaining on his contract with the Clippers, worth $ 50.3 million. Previously, his affairs were handled by Mitch Frankel and Dennis Robertson , with Frankel having participated in the three- year contract extension negotiations Leonard reached with the Clippers in 2024 .

On June 30th of this year , the Clippers and Raptors reached a trade agreement, with Kawhi Leonard returning to Toronto. The Raptors sent Brandon Ingram , Grady Dick , unprotected first-round draft picks in 2031 and 2033 , a first-round pick swap right in 2027 , and two second-round draft picks to the two-time Finals MVP in exchange .

Sources say that during trade discussions, Leonard made it clear that he only wanted a long-term partnership with the Raptors, a stance that influenced other teams' pursuit. It's worth noting that Leonard's decision to return to Toronto was primarily driven by three factors: familiarity with the team's system, recognition of the Raptors' competitiveness, and a fondness for the city. He also hopes to finish his career with the Raptors.

According to ESPN salary expert Bobby Marks , after joining the Raptors, Leonard is eligible to sign a two- year, $ 123.7 million contract extension with the team.

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