Clippers and Raptors finally complete Leonard trade
After months of delay, the LA Clippers and Toronto Raptors have officially finalized the trade sending Kawhi Leonard to Toronto. The deal had been frozen pending an NBA investigation into possible salary cap circumvention by the Clippers.
The LA Clippers and Toronto Raptors have finally completed the trade the two sides had originally agreed to in principle back in late June. Under the deal, Kawhi Leonard moves to Toronto, while Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two future first-round picks, a first-round pick swap and two second-round picks head to Los Angeles in return.
Why the deal was frozen
The June agreement was put on hold after the NBA announced that the Raptors could face consequences tied to an investigation into whether the Clippers had circumvented the league's salary cap rules. That investigation concluded in early September.
Consequences of the investigation
As a result of the findings, the Clippers will forfeit a total of five future draft picks, while Leonard himself must pay a $700,000 fine.
With the sanctions now set, the path was cleared to finalize the trade — a development reported by Shams Charania and confirmed by ESPN sources. The two teams are now set to formally schedule completion of the deal.
Leonard already has history with the Raptors: he led the franchise to its first NBA championship in 2019 and was named Finals MVP.
