Kawhi Leonard Hires Harrison Gaines as Agent, Traded to Raptors

Kawhi Leonard has hired Harrison Gaines of SLASH Sports as his new agent to manage contract extension talks with the Toronto Raptors. Gaines previously served as Leonard's business attorney. The Raptors acquired Leonard in a trade that sends Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks to his previous team.

The deal cannot be completed until Monday. Leonard has one season and $50.3 million remaining on his current contract and is eligible to sign a two-year, $123.7 million extension. He stated during trade discussions that he wanted to sign an extension only with the Raptors.

Minnesota and Detroit stepped back from pursuing him. Leonard cited familiarity with the front office led by executive vice president Bobby Webster, his liking for the city of Toronto, and his view that the team can contend in the Eastern Conference. He envisions finishing his career in Toronto.

Leonard led the Raptors to their only championship in 2019, earning Finals MVP honors after averaging 28.5 points per game in the series against the Golden State Warriors. The hiring of Gaines marks a shift from his previous representation by Mitch Frankel and his uncle Dennis Robertson.

Leonard and Robertson have been interviewed as part of an NBA investigation into whether his former team circumvented the salary cap through a $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration.

The company held a $300 million, 23-year endorsement agreement with the team. Team owner Steve Ballmer, who invested $60 million in Aspiration, has denied knowledge of Leonard's arrangement. Leonard has denied any wrongdoing.