Trade for Kawhi Leonard Halted
The Toronto Raptors‘ acquisition of Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers has been put on hold. Both teams confirmed on Thursday that the trade cannot be finalized until the NBA concludes its investigation into allegations against the Clippers regarding impermissible benefits provided to Leonard before the 2019-20 NBA season.
The Raptors stated that the league office informed them they would “assume the risk” of any potential penalties related to Leonard’s contract that might arise from the ongoing investigation. Consequently, the Raptors have decided to wait for the investigation’s completion before proceeding with the deal.
Allegations and Ongoing Investigation
The investigation, which began in September, centers on claims that the Clippers used a company named Aspiration to pay Leonard $28 million for “no-show jobs.” This arrangement was reportedly a method for the team to provide Leonard with additional money without violating NBA salary cap rules. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer had invested $60 million into Aspiration, which subsequently agreed to pay Leonard for endorsements he allegedly did not fulfill.
The Clippers have consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating they “did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard.” They claim to have been victims of fraud initiated by Joe Sanberg, who has since been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison. The team has cooperated fully with the NBA’s investigation for the past 10 months, providing numerous documents and facilitating staff access.
The NBA had previously announced its investigation into the claims that the Clippers used Aspiration to pay Leonard. Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated that clear evidence of impropriety would be necessary for action to be taken against the team. The investigation is being conducted by Wachtell Lipton, a New York law firm often used by the NBA for such probes.
Impact on Players and Teams
The trade, which was agreed upon in principle on June 30, would send Leonard to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round draft picks, a pick swap, and two second-round picks. All players and draft picks involved in this deal are currently in limbo while the investigation continues. The Clippers acknowledged the uncertainty this situation has created for their team, fans, the Raptors organization, and the players whose futures are affected.
The NBA has not provided a specific timeline for the conclusion of the investigation but anticipates the firm will finalize its work in the coming weeks. Reports suggest a resolution could be imminent, possibly as early as Tuesday, when the next NBA Board of Governors meeting is scheduled to take place. Despite the delay, there is a belief that the deal will ultimately be completed.
Leonard has spent the last seven seasons with the Clippers, averaging 25.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.7 steals over that period. He previously led the Raptors to the 2019 NBA championship. The Raptors expressed their eagerness to bring Leonard back to Toronto and hope for a swift resolution for all involved parties.
The Clippers‘ full statement reiterated their confidence that the NBA will confirm their innocence once the facts are evaluated fairly and thoroughly.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
