Raptors' Kawhi Leonard trade delayed pending Clippers salary-cap probe
The NBA is reportedly delaying the completion of a trade that would send Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors pending a league investigation into the Clippers' alleged salary-cap violations. CBS Sports reports that the Raptors and Clippers are holding substantive trade talks, though the exact player and draft-pick components remain undefined. Yahoo Sports adds that the Dallas Mavericks are also among the teams courting Leonard, and any eventual deal would likely require him to sign a new contract extension. SB Nation outlines six possible trade scenarios, identifying various teams and assets that could be involved as the Clippers evaluate options before Leonard’s contract deadline.
Bleacher Report notes that while the Clippers continue negotiations with Toronto, they have indicated no interest in pursuing Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown. More recent reports from CBS Sports and NBA. com describe a proposed package in which the Raptors would receive Leonard in exchange for Brandon Ingram, rookie Gradey Dick, and multiple future draft picks, with Leonard expected to sign an extension. The New York Times says the league is expected to postpone finalizing the transaction until the salary-cap probe is concluded.
