What happened: The Toronto Raptors are finalizing their 2026-27 rotation after officially completing their delayed trade for Kawhi Leonard. The deal was held up for more than a month while the NBA investigated the Los Angeles Clippers for salary cap circumvention.
Why it matters: Leonard returns to the franchise he led to a championship in 2019, joining a starting five that includes Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Jakob Poeltl. The Kawhi Leonard deal is expected to bolster a defense that allowed 112.1 points per 100 possessions last season.
By the numbers: The Raptors enter the season with and a projected 44-38 record following a 46-win campaign.
What to watch: Coach Darko Rajaković will look to integrate free-agent addition Kyle Anderson and draft picks Allen Graves and Jaden Bradley into the rotation.