Kawhi Leonard was reported to be moving to the Toronto Raptors after six seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this month. However, the trade has yet to be finalized due to the ongoing investigation into the Clippers for an alleged salary-cap-circumvention scam that named the owner, Steve Ballmer, and Leonard.
Leonard even changed his controversial agents, who were allegedly involved with his signings, Mitch Frankel and business advisor Dennis “Uncle Dennis” Robertson, and hired Harrison Gaines of SLASH Sports for the next season. And now, it seems the investigation into the alleged wrongdoing is reportedly in its final stage.
On “The Rich Eisen Show,” The Athletic’s analyst Mike Vorkunov said on Friday:
“The investigation, I think, is over now. The NBA is kind of, like, sifting through what the law firm they hired has found, deciding whether there’s a punishment or not that they then want to levy.”
Investigative reporter Pablo Torre alleged that the Clippers’ management fulfilled some of the forward’s salary through off-court arrangements. Ballmer was allegedly connected to the now-bankrupt company Aspiration, which signed the superstar to a $28 million endorsement deal.
It was alleged in Torre’s report that Leonard did not participate in any promotional activities for the company. The Clippers and Leonard have denied any involvement in wrongdoing. Regardless of the result, Leonard’s trade could still be up in the air because both parties might decide to appeal the ruling. The NBPA might also get involved, which, according to Vorkunov, will only delay the process of finalizing the trade.
The Raptors might be desperate to finalize the Kawhi Leonard deal after LeBron James joined Sixers
LeBron James has decided to move to Philly, which instantly makes them the Eastern Conference favorites. The team is already equipped with backcourt and frontcourt pieces, especially with the addition of Jaylen Brown this offseason. James has only added to the city’s excitement that is waiting for a title since 1983.
This will prompt the Raptors to finalize the deal as soon as possible. They were shown the exit gate in the first round of the 2025-26 NBA playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers, four games to three. However, the young core of RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes and others might just need the championship experience and mentorship of Leonard.
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