Kawhi Leonard is finally a Raptor. After weeks of delay due to the ongoing investigation surrounding him and the Clippers, the forward’s return to Toronto is official. However, he is reportedly waiving his $7.45 million trade kicker to facilitate the move, leaving fans stunned.
Fullcourtpass reported Leonard’s decision to waive the kicker, while quoting Blake Murphy.
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“Kawhi Leonard is waiving his entire trade kicker in the deal to the Raptors, per @BlakeMurphyODC,” Fullcourtpass wrote.
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According to Murphy, Leonard foregoing the kicker was a near-necessity, as it would have affected Toronto’s cap.
“Kawhi Leonard is waiving his entire trade kicker, per a source,” Murphy wrote. “Was a near-necessity, cap-math-wise, unless Raptors expanded the deal. Most of the details within here still hold. Raptors hard-capped, likely to carry just 13 to start the season (or 14 with Bradley converted).”
Leonard’s decision to give up $7.45 million quickly turned heads, with fans stunned that he left money on the table.
“First time in his life he gave up some $,” a fan wrote.
However, not all fans were shocked, as a few praised the former Finals MVP, believing his waiver reflected his love for the place and the franchise.
“Now that’s a man that cares about his team,” a fan added.
With Leonard set to earn $50.3 million this year, he was entitled to a trade kicker from the Raptors. Under NBA rules, the kicker is typically set at 15% of a player’s salary, which would have given the forward roughly $7.5 million this year.
However, Toronto only had $5.4 million in first-apron space. Paying Leonard the full trade kicker would have pushed the Raptors beyond the second luxury-tax threshold, which they will now avoid because of Leonard waiving the money.
Former NBA player blasts Kawhi Leonard for changing the trajectory of his career
Kawhi Leonard’s stint with the LA Clippers officially ended on Monday. However, his exit was unceremonious as the franchise was found guilty of circumventing the salary cap by using a third party that reportedly paid Leonard $28 million.
While Leonard escaped the investigation with a $700,000 fine, Danilo Gallinari was not happy about it. The former NBA player claimed the forward should pay the entire $50 million amount as a fine, while claiming Leonard changed the trajectory of his career.
“He should pay all of that $50 million. He changed the trajectory of my career and put me in a difficult situation by sending me away from Los Angeles,” Gallinari said.
The former NBA player slammed Leonard, saying the forward’s desire to play alongside a bona fide star led to the trade for Paul George. However, Gallinari suffered multiple injuries after leaving Los Angeles and exited the NBA in 2024.
Edited by Arian Kashyap
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