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The Kawhi Leonard watch is in overdrive this week as news comes that the NBA star playing with the Raptors this season is very likely. And, it helps that he’s also actually in Toronto. Right now.
Kawhi Leonard was spotted at the National Bank Open in Toronto with his partner, Kishele Shipley. He visited Coco Gauff after her match and got signed tennis balls for his daughter, then stayed to get another one from Naomi Osaka’s opponent, Elena Rybakina.
Leonard has been spending more time in Toronto this summer, despite the Raptors’ trade for him being paused while the NBA investigates alleged salary-cap violations involving the Clippers and Leonard.
The investigation is expected to finish before the 2026–27 NBA season, so it’s still unclear whether Leonard will officially return to the Raptors.
What exactly the NBA is going to do to resolve the entire Kawhi Clippers-Leonard situation remains up in the air. But the most likely scenario has the 2019 Finals MVP in a Raptors uniform on opening night. (@michaelgrange)
https://t.co/jBtFbhRQ9K— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 7, 2026
Raptors insider Michael Grange, in an article for Sportsnet.ca, said the investigation is nearing completion and the outcome is likely a favourable one for the city.
“A negotiated settlement where the NBA gets to enforce some version of its rules, Ballmer can save face and Leonard can play for the Raptors,” he wrote.
