Kawhi Leonard has hired Harrison Gaines of SLASH Sports as his new agent to oversee contract extension talks with the Toronto Raptors. Gaines is expected to meet with Raptors officials this week to discuss Leonard's future. Leonard has one season remaining on his current contract, with a salary of $50.3 million.

The move comes as Leonard officially joins the Raptors via a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers. The deal, which cannot be finalized until Monday, sent Brandon Ingram and other assets to Los Angeles. Leonard previously led the Raptors to their first NBA championship in 2019, averaging 28.5 points per game in the Finals.

Leonard's preference to sign an extension only with Toronto influenced the trade market, with other interested teams like Minnesota and Detroit backing off. He is reportedly open to the deal due to familiarity with the organization, his liking for the city, and belief in the Raptors' contention potential in the Eastern Conference. Leonard is eligible for up to a two-year, $123.7 million extension.

The Clippers, Leonard's former team, are under NBA investigation for alleged salary cap circumvention related to an endorsement deal. Leonard and his former adviser Dennis Robertson have been interviewed as part of the inquiry.