Is Kawhi Leonard going to make like a tree and leaf?

The Klaw may need to uproot his life in Los Angeles and get replanted back in the North. This is the newest development to chip away at his legacy. I may need to branch off into a different line of jokes.

Good morning. Hopefully the rumours aren't all bark. Let's basketball.

Heavy rumors are circulating around Kawhi Leonard's future. ESPN's Shams Charania reports that trade talks escalated once the Clippers made it clear they weren't giving the two-time Finals MVP another extension.

LA and Toronto discussed a deal over the past couple of weeks, as Leonard's reps informed other teams he only wanted to sign an extension with the Raptors if the Clippers were not going to keep him, sources said. He had preferred to stay with the Clippers, but the franchise made no long-term commitment to him this offseason, sources said. Leonard has only the 2026-27 season left on his contract at $50.3 million.

As of Sunday afternoon, The Athletic's ace Sam Amick reported that the Mavericks and Raptors were in the mix, with Dallas offering a package centered on P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson and what little draft equity the Mavs still have. But Charania reported early Monday that the Raptors are in the driver's seat. Jake Fischer and Marc Stein, who were early on Toronto's interest in Kawhi, report that the most likely construction includes Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and draft equity.

Rebooting totally makes sense for the Clippers. Every move they have made to move on from the Earthquake Era has come without regret. Paul George bolts in free agency? He's now on one of the least attractive contracts in the sport. Trade James Harden? He had a disastrous playoff run. Trade Ivica Zubac? The dice came up snake eyes and you ended up with Keaton Wagler for your troubles. Meanwhile, the remaining Clippers – with Kawhi – lost the 9-10 play-in game to a mediocre Warriors team who has decided to try to be something between hilarious and ridiculous in 2026-27.