Kawhi Leonard trade to Raptors suspended amid NBA investigation

The NBA is investigating an alleged $28 million no‑show endorsement deal between Kawhi Leonard and the now‑defunct Aspiration Partners, raising concerns that the Los Angeles Clippers may have used the arrangement to circumvent the salary‑cap. The probe has expanded to examine other possible undisclosed sponsorships and expenses the Clippers may have covered for Leonard.

Because the investigation is ongoing, the blockbuster trade that would send Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and multiple draft assets has been placed on hold. Both clubs said they will assume any potential sanctions, and the league’s commissioner Adam Silver has indicated the matter should be resolved before the next season. A law firm hired by the NBA is reviewing the contracts, and the Raptors have prepared contingency plans should the deal be voided, including possible suspensions for Leonard.

Legal analyst Russell Sanders, based in Toronto, said he was “frankly shocked” by the suspension of the deal, noting that the Raptors would unlikely proceed if the penalties were severe enough to render Leonard unavailable.