LeBron James Leaves Lakers as Raptors Trade for Kawhi Leonard in 6-pick deal
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 1
LeBron James Leaves Lakers as Raptors Trade for Kawhi Leonard in 6-pick deal
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 1
Summary
Day 1 of NBA free agency turned on two star moves: LeBron James told the Lakers he will play in 2026-27, but not in Los Angeles, while Toronto reacquired Kawhi Leonard.
Toronto paid heavily for Leonard—Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, two seconds and a pick swap—betting his elite 2025-26 scoring outweighs durability concerns and the loss of shooting.
Los Angeles moved quickly to its post-LeBron plan, re-signing Austin Reaves for four years and $185 million to pair with Luka Dončić as the franchise reshapes the roster around them.
Other major Day 1 business included Trae Young re-signing with Washington for four years and $212 million and Isaiah Hartenstein staying with Oklahoma City for three years and $75 million.
The opening reinforced a broader 2026 trend: blockbuster trades, not open-market signings, are driving star movement under extension incentives and second-apron payroll pressure.
How will the NBA's radical anti-tanking lottery reform upend the value of trading for today's superstars?
Giannis to Miami, Morant to Portland: Are these blockbuster trades building dynasties or just deeply flawed super-teams?
With journalists now deciding player supermax deals, is the NBA's salary system facing a crisis of fairness?
NBA 2026 Offseason Shakeup: Kawhi Leonard Returns to Raptors, LeBron James Leaves Lakers, and the Clippers Rebuild
Overview
On July 1, 2026, the NBA saw major changes as Kawhi Leonard was traded back to the Toronto Raptors, who gave up All-Star Brandon Ingram, young talent Gradey Dick, and several valuable draft picks to the LA Clippers. Ingram had just finished a strong season with Toronto, averaging 21.5 points and 5.6 rebounds. This blockbuster deal signals the Raptors’ push to win now, while the Clippers begin a rebuild with new assets. These moves highlight a shift in team strategies, with franchises balancing star power and future flexibility to reshape the league’s competitive landscape.