- Kawhi Leonard has hired Harrison Gaines of SLASH Sports & Entertainment as his new agent ahead of extension talks with the Toronto Raptors.
- Gaines replaces longtime rep Mitch Frankel and Leonard's uncle Dennis Robertson, who led his 2024 Clippers extension.
- The move sets up Gaines to negotiate a potential two-year, $123.7 million extension as Leonard starts fresh with the Raptors.
- He continues with FYI Brand Group for public relations.
Kawhi Leonard is entering his next contract fight with new representation. The two-time Finals MVP has hired Harrison Gaines of SLASH Sports & Entertainment as his agent, right as extension talks with the Toronto Raptors begin.
The switch ends Leonard’s long run with Mitch Frankel, who led his three-year, $150 million Clippers extension in 2024, and uncle/advisor Dennis Robertson.
Gaines, a California attorney, has served as Leonard’s business attorney over the past year, including through the NBA’s probe into Leonard’s $28 million Aspiration endorsement deal with the Clippers.
For SLASH Sports & Entertainment, Leonard is easily the agency’s biggest name yet. Gaines built the firm from the ground up, once becoming the youngest agent to represent a No. 2 pick with Lonzo Ball, and has since worked with LaMelo Ball and WNBA All-Star Odyssey Sims. Landing a seven-time All-Star marks a major step up for the boutique shop.
Leonard’s timing fits a wider wave of representation shakeups this year. CAA Basketball has been especially active, recently signing Tre Jones and Pelle Larsson, while Octagon added Trey Lyles after a decade with Klutch Sports.
Traded to Toronto on June 30 for Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick, Leonard is now eligible for a two-year, $123.7 million extension. Gaines will lead those talks in the coming days, with Leonard reportedly hoping to finish his career as a Raptor. He continues with FYI Brand Group for public relations.
Takeaways
Swapping agents right as a $123 million extension looms isn’t a small tweak; it’s a signal. Gaines already knows the terrain; he’s spent the past year in the room as Leonard’s attorney during a messy NBA investigation, so this reads less like a fresh start and more like promoting someone who’s already earned trust.
For SLASH Sports & Entertainment, landing a client of Leonard’s stature is the kind of jump that can redefine a boutique agency’s whole trajectory.
Does bringing on an attorney-turned-agent suggest more legal complications are still ahead for Leonard? Will this signing help SLASH Sports & Entertainment attract more established NBA stars?
