The Toronto Raptors have secured Kawhi Leonard with a two-year, $115 million extension that runs through the 2028-29 season, featuring a player option. Leonard waived his $7.5 million trade kicker, allowing the Raptors to save $11 million overall, which provides general manager Bobby Webster with approximately $5.5 million in flexibility per year over the next two off-seasons. This deal not only retains Leonard but also positions the Raptors to enhance their roster around him.
Leonard's impressive performance last season, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals, has made the commitment to him feel necessary rather than risky. He expressed his desire for stability, stating, “I’m not really championship chasing. … I didn’t want to put on a thousand jerseys.” The Raptors have seen significant improvement since his arrival, going from 30 wins in 2024-25 to 46 wins and a playoff appearance in 2025-26, raising the team's expectations for the upcoming season.
While Leonard's health remains a concern, having missed 44 percent of games over the past nine seasons, Webster is optimistic that Leonard's 65-game season last year indicates a positive trend. The Raptors are now focused on competing consistently, with Webster emphasizing the need to win rather than just be competitive. The extension serves as both a reward for Leonard's contributions and a challenge for the Raptors to meet the heightened expectations that accompany his presence.