Kawhi Leonard trade to Raptors on hold pending NBA investigation

The Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers agreed on June 30 to send two‑time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram, rookie guard Gradey Dick, two unprotected first‑round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first‑round swap and two second‑round picks. The deal was paused after the NBA opened an investigation in September into a $28 million “no‑show” endorsement contract Leonard signed with Aspiration, an environmentally‑focused fintech firm that later filed for bankruptcy. The probe focuses on whether the Clippers facilitated the endorsement to circumvent salary‑cap rules, which could expose the team – and potentially the Raptors, who would assume any penalties – to fines, loss of draft picks, or voiding of Leonard’s contract.

Raptors officials said they will wait for the investigation’s conclusion before finalizing the trade, noting they would “assume the risk of any potential outcome of the investigation affecting Kawhi.” The league has hired the law firm Wachtell Lipton to conduct the review, and commissioner Adam Silver indicated the inquiry should be wrapped up “in a timely fashion,” with possible updates at the upcoming Board of Governors meeting. Both clubs maintain they expect the trade to eventually be completed; betting markets still give the Raptors an 82‑87 % chance of acquiring Leonard. Leonard has one year remaining on his $149.5 million contract, with a $50.3 million salary for 2026‑27 and the possibility of a two‑year extension worth up to $123.7 million after the trade.