Kawhi Leonard Scores 21 Points in Raptors Preseason Return Following Clippers Trade and Scandal

Kawhi Leonard made his return to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night, scoring 21 points in just the first half during a dominant 148-98 preseason victory over the New York Knicks. Leonard shot 4-of-8 from beyond the arc in his 17 minutes on the court, marking a strong comeback after being traded back to Toronto earlier this offseason.

The Raptors' head coach, Darko Rajakovic, had announced a minutes limit for Leonard before the game. "It's very special that it's happening right here at home, not on some road game, but actually playing in front of our fans in Toronto," Rajakovic shared with CBC. "I think it’s a very special day for him. Very special day for us. We're super excited to get him on the floor and to play."

Leonard opened his scoring with a pair of free throws early in the first quarter, then nailed a contested three-pointer minutes later, much to the delight of the Scotiabank Arena crowd. Despite sitting out the entire second half, Leonard finished as the game’s top scorer. The Raptors cruised to a 50-point win with five players hitting double digits and shooting 57% from the field.

Leonard previously played for Toronto during their 2018-19 championship season, earning Finals MVP honors while leading the franchise to its first NBA title. He then signed with the Clippers, where he played until this offseason.

The Clippers Salary Cap Scandal and Trade Back to Toronto

Last year, Leonard was at the center of a major salary cap circumvention scandal involving the Clippers. The NBA found that Leonard and the Clippers circumvented the salary cap through arrangements with third-party companies. As penalties, the Clippers lost five first-round draft picks, owner Steve Ballmer was suspended for a year and fined $30 million, and Leonard himself was fined $700,000.

The trade sending Leonard back to the Raptors was delayed while the investigation unfolded. Once the NBA disclosed its findings and imposed sanctions, the trade was finalized. Leonard avoided suspension reportedly due to insufficient evidence against him, allowing him to start the 2026-27 season without restrictions. Last month, Leonard agreed to a two-year, $115 million contract extension with Toronto.

Although it was only a preseason game, Leonard’s performance showed he’s eager to resume his career where he once found great success.

• Game: Raptors 148, Knicks 98 (Preseason)
• Leonard's stats: 21 points in 17 minutes, 4-of-8 on three-pointers
• Raptors shooting percentage: 57%
• Minutes restriction: Leonard limited to first half
• Clippers penalties: Five first-round picks lost, Steve Ballmer suspended one year, $30 million fine
• Leonard's fine: $700,000
• Contract extension: Two years, $115 million with Raptors