Raptors fans are going to have to wait a little longer before welcoming Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto.
The blockbuster trade that would send Leonard back to the Raptors is currently on hold as the NBA continues its investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers.
Toronto and Los Angeles agreed to the deal on June 30, but three days after the NBA moratorium ended, the trade still has not been finalized. Both teams announced Thursday that the league has asked them to wait until the investigation is complete before moving forward.
The investigation is looking into allegations that the Clippers circumvented the salary cap by using a no-show endorsement deal with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt green energy banking company, to provide additional compensation to Leonard.
The Raptors released a statement saying the NBA informed the organization it would assume the risk of any potential penalties involving Leonard if the investigation impacts the trade.
“Regarding our planned trade with the LA 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 said.
“In light of this, we will wait until the league’s investigation is complete. The Raptors remain eager to bring Kawhi back to Toronto and look forward to a swift resolution for our players, our organization, and our fans.”
The Clippers also released a statement, shared by ESPN’s Shams Charania, saying the organization has fully cooperated with the NBA’s investigation over the past 10 months.
Los Angeles denied any wrongdoing, saying Leonard was not paid through Aspiration and that the organization believes the investigation will clear them.
“We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration,” the Clippers said in the statement. “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 original trade agreement would send Leonard back to Toronto in exchange for a massive haul from the Raptors.
Clippers receive:
- Brandon Ingram
- Gradey Dick
- Unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033
- 2030 and 2033 second-round picks
- 2027 first-round pick swap
Raptors receive:
- Kawhi Leonard
