Clippers-Raptors Talks on Kawhi Leonard Trade Still Pending, Mazzulla Addresses Celtics Shake-Up, Las Vegas Group Seeks NBA Expansion
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Los Angeles — The Clippers’ agreement to send Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors has not yet been finalized, though both franchises remain optimistic, according to The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer.
Fischer reported that Los Angeles spent several weeks gauging interest in Leonard before striking a tentative deal with Toronto. Initially, the Clippers believed the NBA’s ongoing “Aspiration” investigation would not affect the transaction. During the league’s trade-approval process, however, the NBA informed the Raptors that they would inherit any future penalties tied to Leonard, in addition to any sanctions the Clippers may face. That development prompted Toronto to delay completing the trade.
Celtics
Head coach Joe Mazzulla said he is still absorbing Boston’s decision to trade Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. Speaking after Summer League practice, Mazzulla praised Brown’s 10-year tenure with the Celtics and urged that attention stay on the guard’s accomplishments rather than the trade itself, The Athletic’s Jay King reported.
Brown addressed the move during a live stream on IShowSpeed’s channel, joking that he “got packed up” and calling the NBA “a crazy business” with “no loyalty.” Mazzulla added that Boston will now craft a new identity around Jayson Tatum, Paul George and a reworked roster following six Eastern Conference finals appearances and the 2024 championship.
Expansion
A consortium led by former Phoenix Suns owner and longtime NBA executive Jerry Colangelo has formally announced its pursuit of an expansion franchise in Las Vegas. The proposed ownership group, the Las Vegas Jacks, includes Horizon Sports & Experiences CEO David Levy along with former NBA guards Jay Williams and Vinny Del Negro, Alex Schiffer of Front Office Sports reported.
Separately, a group spearheaded by Seattle Kraken governor Samantha Holloway continues to focus on restoring an NBA team to Seattle.
Source: Hoops Wire
