NBA trade for Kawhi Leonard paused pending league investigation

The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday that the trade sending Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto will not be finalized until the NBA’s investigation into his sponsorship agreement with Aspiration is concluded. The team said it will “assume the risk of any potential outcome of the investigation impacting Kawhi” and will wait for the league’s decision before proceeding.

Under the pending agreement, the Raptors would receive Leonard in exchange for Brandon Ingram, rookie guard Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 pick swap and two second-round selections in 2030 and 2033. The deal was initially agreed on June 30.

The inquiry began after podcasts alleged that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer used the now-bankrupt firm Aspiration to circumvent the salary cap in order to pay Leonard. The Clippers have denied the allegations. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the investigation is being conducted by an independent law firm and that the league expects a resolution soon. > "We can’t be investigating forever, but we have to wrap it up and get it right," Silver said.

If the investigation results in no disciplinary action, the trade is expected to move forward. If Leonard’s contract is voided, he would remain with the Clippers and become a free agent, a scenario that could affect roster planning across the league given limited cap space.