Raptors put blockbuster Kawhi Leonard trade on hold pending conclusion of NBA's probe
The Toronto Raptors have announced that their proposed trade for Kawhi Leonard is on hold. This decision follows notification from the NBA that the Raptors would assume the risk of any outcome from the league’s ongoing investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers. The trade, which would see Leonard return to Toronto, was agreed upon by both teams on June 30.
The Raptors stated that while they are eager to add Leonard to their roster, they will wait for the league’s investigation to conclude before finalizing the deal. This stance is to avoid being held responsible if Leonard’s contract is voided or altered as a result of the probe. The NBA informed the teams that the investigation could create issues with any transaction involving Leonard.
Investigation details and trade implications
The NBA opened its investigation in September following allegations that surfaced regarding Leonard, the Clippers, and an environmental financial technology company named Aspiration. These allegations, initially reported by journalist Pablo Torre, suggested an endorsement deal with Aspiration that required no work from Leonard beyond remaining with the Clippers, potentially circumventing salary-cap rules. Aspiration later entered bankruptcy, and its co-founder, Joe Sanberg, was charged with fraud and sentenced to 14 years in prison. Leonard has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
The Clippers, in their statement, acknowledged the investigation and their participation in it, noting they were informed of the potential penalties Toronto would inherit if the trade were finalized. They maintained that they did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration, asserting they were victims of a fraud initiated by Sanberg. The Clippers expressed that they expect the trade to be completed once the investigation concludes.
The proposed deal involves sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks (in 2031 and 2033), a 2027 pick swap, and two second-round picks to the Clippers for Leonard. Leonard, who previously led the Raptors to their only NBA championship in 2019 before joining the Clippers as a free agent, made a public appearance in Toronto on Tuesday, attending Kyle Lowry’s retirement ceremony.
League’s stance and future outlook
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the ongoing probe before the start of the 2026 NBA Finals, indicating that the investigation was far along and nearing a conclusion. The upcoming NBA Board of Governors meetings next week are considered a potential opportunity for the league to close the investigation. Silver emphasized the need for finality so that teams understand their operational situation.
Despite the delay, this development is not widely seen as a sign of significant discipline for the Clippers or Leonard. However, the possibility of Leonard’s contract being voided remains the primary obstacle to the trade’s completion. The NBA had informed both teams about potential issues with any deal involving Leonard before they agreed to the trade.
The Clippers have completed several other transactions without complications, including trades involving James Harden, Ivica Zubac, and Chris Paul, as well as signing Rui Hachimura and re-signing Kobe Sanders. However, the transaction involving Leonard is unique due to the ongoing investigation. Leonard, who turned 35 earlier this month, is coming off his highest-scoring season, averaging 27.9 points for the Clippers in 65 games, and is a seven-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion.
Source: nytimes.com
