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Kawhi Leonard Begins Extension Talks in Toronto After Trade

His hiring of Harrison Gaines as agent signals a new negotiation approach that could determine whether he signs a longer-term deal with the Raptors.

Overview

  • The Raptors completed a trade for Kawhi Leonard last week that sent him from the Los Angeles Clippers back to Toronto, and the deal can become official this week.
  • Leonard has hired Harrison Gaines of SLASH Sports to represent him, replacing his previous negotiators and preparing to lead extension discussions.
  • Multiple reports say Leonard and Raptors officials are expected to start contract-extension talks in Toronto this week, though no agreement has been reached.
  • Leonard is 35 and has one year and $50.3 million remaining on his current contract, so talks will focus on length and pay while weighing his recent production and injury history.
  • A longer deal would lock a high-impact player into Toronto and justify the assets exchanged in the trade, while a failure to extend would leave his future with the team unresolved.