The Toronto Raptors are refusing to sit still while the basketball world waits for their blockbuster reunion with Kawhi Leonard to finally become official.

Toronto’s proposed deal with the Los Angeles Clippers has dominated the headlines for much of the summer, but with the transaction still waiting to be completed, the Raptors have quietly continued reshaping their roster.

Now, the franchise has reportedly added another former NBA champion to its plans.

The move comes at an intriguing moment for Toronto, with the organization seemingly preparing for life with Leonard back in the lineup while also making sure the roster has enough depth to compete in what promises to be an extremely difficult Eastern Conference.

The Raptors had already agreed to a major trade with the Clippers earlier this summer, bringing Leonard back to the franchise where he famously delivered an NBA championship.

However, the deal was temporarily placed on hold while the NBA investigated allegations involving Leonard and the Clippers concerning potential improper benefits.

That investigation has now been resolved, removing one of the biggest obstacles standing between the Raptors and the blockbuster transaction.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the expectation remains that the trade will go through within days.

That has left Toronto in an unusual position: preparing for a major superstar arrival while simultaneously making smaller moves to strengthen the roster around him.

Toronto adds another piece

While attention remains firmly fixed on Leonard, the Raptors recently added center Trey Jemison III on a two-way contract.

The 6-foot-10, 270-pound big man brings valuable size and previous NBA experience to Toronto’s frontcourt.

Jemison spent part of last season with the New York Knicks organization, appearing in 13 NBA games. He also played extensively for the Westchester Knicks in the G League, where he produced significantly stronger numbers and gained valuable experience as a starter.

His G League campaign included averages of 8.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steal per game.

Although Jemison is not being brought in as the headline acquisition, his arrival gives Toronto another developing option in the frontcourt.

The Raptors had also previously added him alongside other roster moves as they waited for the Leonard trade to progress.

The Leonard trade remains the bigger story

Of course, none of those moves can overshadow what Toronto is attempting to accomplish with Leonard.

The proposed package remains substantial, with the Raptors sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and significant draft capital to Los Angeles.

The Clippers are reportedly set to receive multiple future selections, including unprotected first-round picks and additional draft assets.

That level of investment demonstrates just how seriously Toronto views the opportunity.

Leonard already has legendary status in Toronto after leading the Raptors to their first NBA championship. Bringing him back would therefore be about far more than simply adding another star.

It would represent an attempt to recreate the championship-winning environment that made Leonard one of the most important players in franchise history.

But expectations will be enormous.

The Eastern Conference is packed with talented teams, and Toronto cannot simply assume that Leonard’s arrival will instantly turn them into title favourites.

The Raptors will need depth, health and consistent production from the rest of the roster.

That is why moves such as the Jemison signing could ultimately become more important than they initially appear.

For now, however, Toronto fans are waiting for the moment that matters most.

The investigation is over. The reported framework remains intact. And the expectation from league insiders is that the Leonard blockbuster could finally cross the finish line in the coming days.

Until the paperwork is completed, though, Raptors supporters will continue watching closely.

One thing is becoming increasingly clear: Toronto is already preparing for a dramatically different season.