​Kawhi Leonard is returning to the Toronto Raptors after a major, year-long hurdle was finally eliminated.The NBA held off on the trade between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Raptors following Leonard’s involvement in a financial scheme. Journalist Pablo Torre exposed the two camps last September over an alleged scheme to circumvent the salary cap by making Leonard an endorser of a now-defunct tree-planting company.The season went on, and Kawhi played arguably his best year as a Clipper. However, the controversy continued to haunt him. The Clippers agreed to trade him, but the deal was postponed as the league said it needed to conclude its investigation first.His ordeal finally ended last week. The Clippers were found to have violated “multiple significant rules” and were punished with the loss of five future first-round draft picks. They were also handed a $30 million fine.Team owner Steve Ballmer was banned from the league for one whole season.As for Leonard, he was punished, too. He was ordered to pay $700,000 for his violation. He was not suspended.The two-time Finals MVP is moving on now. He is looking forward to a fresh start with the team he led to a championship in 2019. He wants to do it one more time, and he believes the squad can accomplish it.“I’m competitive. I think we got a great chance,” he said (via Open Gym X account).“This group played great last year. I watched them a lot. I’m going to watch more film throughout the summer to see how I could help.”Apr 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn ImagesNew role for Kawhi LeonardThe Raptors brought Leonard in 2018 and proclaimed him their biggest star. Will it be the same the second time around?Leonard still has the credentials to be called a superstar, even at 35. He averaged 27.9 points last season while shooting 50.5% from the field.He is not getting ahead of himself, though. He wants to embrace the team’s vision under coach Darko Rajakovic. He also wants people to know that he is willing to concede that the Raptors are Scottie Barnes’ team.“You guys were very aggressive last year, playing against you guys and watching. It was fun,” Leonard told Rajakovic.Jan 26, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) battles for the ball against Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) and guard Bruce Brown (11) in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports“I’m not here to take over anything. I want to help your vision. Help Scottie [Barnes], whatever. I just want to win. If it’s Scottie’s team, it’s his team. I just want to do whatever it takes to help you guys win.”The Raptors reached the first round of the playoffs last season and pushed the No. 4-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers to Game 7. They were led by their two All-Stars, Barnes