Clippers, Raptors Proceed With Kawhi Leonard Trade Despite Ongoing Investigation
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The Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors remain committed to completing their trade involving Kawhi Leonard even as the NBA’s salary-cap circumvention investigation lingers, ESPN’s Baxter Holmes reported.
League sources told ESPN that both organizations continue to act as though the blockbuster deal will be finalized, despite the possibility that the probe—and any subsequent arbitration—could stretch into 2027. Commissioner Adam Silver recently said he hopes to settle the matter before the regular season begins, but no timetable has been set.
The nearly year-long investigation focuses on allegations that Leonard received improper financial benefits tied to former Clippers sponsor Aspiration. Should the league impose penalties, those sanctions would follow Leonard to Toronto once the trade is sealed.
The Raptors reached an agreement last month to acquire the five-time All-Star, yet paperwork remains on hold pending the NBA’s final decision. The Clippers have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
It is unclear whether an arbitration process, if required, would further delay the transfer. For now, both front offices are moving forward under the assumption that Leonard will eventually join Toronto’s roster.
Source: Hoops Wire
