Seven-for-one! Leonard officially traded! Directly reshaping the Eastern Conference title race

WOW~

It's true, it's really happening.

Toronto's superstar leader has finally come back after seven years.

Insider Shams reports:The Clippers trade Leonard to the Raptors for Ingram, Dick, two first-round picks, one first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks.

Leonard played for the Raptors during the 2018-19 season, leading them to their first-ever title. That regular season, he averaged 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 steals; in the playoffs, he averaged 30.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.7 steals, undisputedly the best player that year.

Notably,Leonard plans to retire as a Raptor, and the two sides are already negotiating an extension. This summer, he can sign an early max contract for up to two years and $124 million, with an average annual salary of $62 million.

It seems the Raptors are Leonard's true home, not his original team the Spurs, nor the Clippers where he spent seven years.

During his time with the Clippers, Leonard made four All-Star appearances, four All-NBA teams, and two All-Defensive teams. His stats are as follows:

Regular season averages: 25.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.7 steals, shooting 50.3% from the field, 39.9% from three, and 87.9% from the line; playoff averages: 27.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2 steals, shooting 52.7% from the field, 37.1% from three, and 85.3% from the line.

When healthy, this guy has always been an elite two-way superstar, but his availability has been inconsistent, especially missing the entire 2021-22 season.

Now just turned 35, Leonard's ability remains unquestionable. With his return, the Raptors have revived their championship hopes. Analysts predict a potential starting five of Leonard, Quickley, Barrett, Barnes, and Boules next season, which would pose a major challenge to the Eastern Conference and the entire league, particularly causing trouble for the reigning champion Knicks.

Last season, the Raptors finished 46-36, fifth in the East, and lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Cavaliers (who eventually reached the Eastern Conference Finals) after a seven-game series.

Finally, congratulations to the Raptors and best wishes to Leonard for a healthy and happy career in this new chapter—perhaps the final one of his career.