NBA expects Kawhi Leonard investigation to finish before season
The NBA announced that the proposed trade of Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors was placed on hold while the league investigates a sponsorship arrangement that could violate salary-cap rules. CBS Sports reported that the pause was ordered pending the outcome of the inquiry, and the Defector outlet echoed that the investigation was delaying the deal. According to The New York Times, the probe was broadened to scrutinize Leonard’s $28 million Aspiration partnership and to examine whether the Clippers had recorded undisclosed expenses or un-reimbursed payments that might constitute cap circumvention.
Hoops Rumors added that the investigation now also covers a second endorsement deal and that league officials were considering possible disciplinary measures against the Clippers. Later, Commissioner Adam Silver told reporters that the NBA expects the investigation to be completed before the upcoming season, signalling that the trade could be revisited once the review is finished.
