NBA Delays Clippers-Raptors Trade for Kawhi Leonard Pending Investigation Outcome

The NBA has placed a proposed trade sending Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors on hold until an ongoing league investigation is complete. The deal would send Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks from the Raptors to the Clippers.

The NBA informed the Raptors that the trade cannot be finalized until the probe ends.

The investigation, opened in September, examines allegations that the Clippers circumvented the salary cap through a $28-million endorsement deal Leonard signed with Aspiration. The company later entered bankruptcy after its co-founder was charged with fraud. Leonard has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

"The NBA league office informed us that as a result of the ongoing investigation involving the Clippers, we would assume the risk of any potential outcome of the investigation impacting Kawhi," the Raptors said in a statement. The Clippers stated they remain confident the investigation will clear the franchise.

"We remain confident that, when the facts are evaluated fairly and thoroughly, the NBA will confirm exactly what we have said from the beginning: We have not done what we are accused of doing," the team said.

Leonard led the Raptors to their only NBA championship in 2019. He turned 35 earlier this month and averaged 27.9 points per game for the Clippers in 65 games last season. He made a public appearance in Toronto on Tuesday at Kyle Lowry's retirement ceremony.