Kawhi Leonard

The architect of Toronto's first NBA title in 2019.

Kawhi Leonard joined the Toronto Raptors in 2018 following seven seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. In his only season with the franchise, he led them to their first NBA championship in 2019. During this historic run, Leonard was named the Finals Most Valuable Player for the second time in his career. He is one of only three players in history to win the Finals MVP award with multiple teams, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James.

Quick Facts

Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Position: Small forward
League: NBA
Born: 29 June 1991
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
High school: Canyon Springs (Moreno Valley, California); Martin Luther King (Riverside, California)
College: San Diego State (2009–2011)
Draft round: 1

Lore & Background

Leonard arrived in Toronto via a trade from the San Antonio Spurs in 2018, ending his seven-season tenure with the organization that drafted him. His single season with the Raptors proved decisive, as he guided the team to their maiden NBA championship in 2019. His performance as transformative, noting he won his second Finals MVP award during this campaign. This achievement placed him in rare company, making him one of just three players ever to secure the honor with different franchises. His move followed his time with the Spurs, where he had already established himself as a two-time champion and Defensive Player of the Year.

Reader's Guide

For fans looking to understand Leonard's impact in Toronto, the key facts are straightforward and rooted in the 2018–2019 season. He was acquired from the San Antonio Spurs in 2018 after playing seven seasons there, where he won a championship in 2014. In his lone year with the Raptors, he delivered the organization's first NBA title. His performance earned him the Finals MVP award for 2019, marking his second time winning the honor. Following this triumph, he left Toronto as a free agent in July 2019 to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers.