Kawhi Leonard‘s trade hasn’t been finalized as the NBA‘s investigation of the LA Clippers hasn’t concluded yet. This summer, Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and two future second-round selections.
Leonard and the Clippers are being investigated for allegedly improperly using an additional $28 million in off-the-books endorsement money to get around the salary cap. This has put the NBA star’s future with the Raptors at risk.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported on Thursday that Toronto is being given a choice regarding the risk of what the NBA’s conclusion of the investigation.
“This was the Toronto Raptors being given a choice of are you willing to assume the risks of something happening with Kawhi Leonard after the investigation is completed? And they are not willing to assume those risks,” Shelburne said. “If they’re not, and we get to the end of the summer and there’s not a resolution here and there’s nobody from the NBA who can say with 100% certainty that there won’t be any fallout for Leonard, specifically. Then, it’s up to the Raptors.
Shelburne said that there is a chance that Kawhi Leonard could start the 2026-27 NBA season with the Clippers.
“I can see a world in which Kawhi Leonard is back on the Clippers if this trade doesn’t go through. And the Clippers, quite frankly, are fine with that.”
Shelburne added that the Raptors and Clippers are fine with the trade not falling through. LA is willing to accept Leonard back since the issue between them is the contract extension negotiations.
The Raptors Had an Opposite Stance on the Kawhi Leonard Trade
The Raptors addressed their current situation with the Leonard trade on Thursday. According to the statement, the team is willing to assume the risk once the NBA’s investigation ends.
“Regarding our planned trade with the L.A. Clippers for Kawhi Leonard, 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 team stated.
They added that the franchise is “eager” to bring Leonard back to the team. They consider him a major part of their future as they try to contend for the championship.
If he gets traded, it will be Leonard’s second stint with the Raptors. Back in the 2018-19 season, he was traded to the franchise by the San Antonio Spurs. Although he only played one season, it was productive, and he led the team to its first championship. After that, the NBA star joined the Clippers.
Edited by Reign Amurao
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