How close Raptors are to trading for Kawhi Leonard from Clippers

The Toronto Raptors' Kawhi Leonard trade rumors are apparently more than smoke.

There appears to be real flames that are sparking as the Los Angeles Clippers consider trading Leonard.

It'd be exciting news in Toronto no matter what, but when adding in the fact that they previously won an NBA championship after acquiring Leonard, the idea of getting him again is particularly intriguing.

And this weekend, it sounds like a deal is getting closer.

NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote this on X on Sunday:

"The Raptors and Clippers have held real trade conversations this weekend on sending Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto, according to the league sources."

MORE: Why the Hornets traded LaMelo Ball to the Timberwolves

Leonard remains a top-notch player, although he's past his prime.

He's also still facing a potential NBA punishment for his off-the-court troubles.

But if the Raptors can get past that, and if they can pay a reasonable cost to the Clippers to get him, Leonard would be a game changer.

A team with both Leonard and Scottie Barnes would be immensely impressive defensively, and they'd have multiple lanky playmakers on offense.

What it would look like beyond that remains to be seen -- it'd depend a lot on what the trade ended up shaping up as.

It's fair for Toronto to want this, though. There aren't many opportunities to acquire an all-time great talent like Leonard. If that door opens to them a second time, they're right to want to walk through it again.

More NBA news:

• This is what a Timberwolves trade for Derrick White would look like
• Warriors want Kawhi Leonard, but there's a problem
• How Heat can unite Giannis with his brothers
• Knicks had a superstar opportunity but didn't go for it
• Giannis legacy with the Bucks remains intact