The Toronto Raptors are making a bold move for the NBA championship, acquiring star forward Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers. The trade, confirmed Tuesday, sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap, and two second-round picks to the Clippers.
The move has dramatically altered the betting landscape, with oddsmakers now placing the Raptors among the top contenders for the NBA title. Prior to the trade, Toronto had odds of 100/1 to win the 2027 championship and 30/1 to win the Eastern Conference. Following the acquisition of Leonard, their odds to win the Larry O'Brien Trophy now stand at +2500, tying them with the Golden State Warriors for the seventh-best odds. Their chances of winning the Eastern Conference have improved to +900, trailing only the Boston Celtics (+250), New York Knicks (+290), and Miami Heat (+700).
Leonard, who averaged 27.9 points per game on 50.5% shooting across 65 games last season and earned second-team All-NBA honors, joins a young Raptors roster that includes Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Collin Murray-Boyles. Leonard previously led the Raptors to their 2019 NBA championship before departing for the Clippers that summer. His seven seasons with the Clippers were marked by injuries and limited playoff success, reaching beyond the second round only once.
This trade is one of several significant moves impacting the Eastern Conference in a busy offseason. The Miami Heat also saw their title odds increase after acquiring two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly in contention for LeBron James, who is not expected to return to the Lakers. The Celtics, despite being favored to win the conference, are navigating trade discussions involving Jaylen Brown.
These ongoing player movements across the league are expected to continue reshaping championship odds as the next NBA season approaches.