Toronto Raptors Release Statement as Kawhi Leonard Trade Stalls

On June 30, the Toronto Raptors agreed to terms on a blockbuster trade to receive forward Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for All-NBA forward Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and a flurry of draft picks. 

Nine days later, the trade has yet to be made official. On Thursday, ESPN Insider Shams Charania reported the trade will not be complete until the NBA concludes its investigation into the Clippers about whether they circumvented the salary cap. 

The Raptors released a statement on Thursday morning in wake of the news, remaining steadfast in their eagerness to return Leonard to the team he brought a championship to in 2019.

Toronto also acknowledged the risk of an outcome from the investigation impacting Leonard. 

“In light of this, we will wait until the league’s investigation is complete,” the Raptors wrote. “The Raptors remain eager to bring Kawhi back to Toronto and look forward to a swift resolution for our players, our organization, and our fans.”

The Clippers released a statement of their own, noting that Toronto may have to take on any potential penalties regarding Leonard instead of Los Angeles.

“We have since been informed that the trade can only be finalized if the Raptors' ownership group assumes the risk of penalties related to Kawhi’s contract that could theoretically result from the ongoing investigation," the Clippers wrote. “The investigation is ongoing, and we expect the trade to be finalized following its conclusion.”

The investigation is centered on whether the Clippers circumvented the salary cap by directing funds to Leonard through a $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt company. Aspiration had a $300 million, 23-year endorsement deal with the Clippers. 

Team owner Steve Ballmer, who once invested $60 million in Aspiration, has previously denied any knowledge of Leonard’s deal with the company. Leonard and his business adviser, Dennis Robertson, have also been interviewed by investigators in the process.

In their statement, the Clippers indicated they have not funneled money to Leonard through Aspiration, claiming they were victims of fraud by the company’s co-founder, Joe Sanberg, who was recently sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Currently, no timetable exists for a conclusion of the NBA’s investigation.

Leonard, 35, is coming off one of the best seasons of his dominant career. In his 14th season, he averaged 27.9 points, his highest-scoring season yet. Upon the trade’s announcement, the belief is that Leonard views Toronto as a destination he would aspire to finish his career at.