LOS ANGELES– In a blockbuster trade on June 30, the Los Angeles Clippers agreed to trade superstar and two time NBA Finals MVP back to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, multiple first-round picks (2031, 2033), a 2027 pick swap, and future second-rounders. Not so fast said the NBA, who is putting the trade on hold pending the results of an ongoing investigation involving the Clippers.
The league office is still investigating whether the Clippers bypassed salary cap rules by funneling money to Leonard through a $28 million endorsement contract in 2021 with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt green energy company.
Toronto was informed by the league that completing the trade right now means they would assume all risk and potential penalties tied to Leonard’s contract. The Raptors have chosen to wait until the probe concludes rather than absorb that risk.
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and the Clippers have consistently maintained their innocence regarding the issue. Leonard will enter 2026-27 as the final year of his current contract, as he and the Raptors expect to reach a potential extension.
Despite the investigation, both the Raptors and the Clippers believe the trade will be approved in the coming weeks. For instance, Leonard has already taken his physical while also attending former teeamate Kyle Lowry’s retirement ceremony.
Appearing in sixty five games last season, averaging a career-high 27.9 points per game to go along with 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
It’s unfortunate for the city of Angels to lose LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard this Summer.
