Kawhi Leonard's trade to the Toronto Raptors is on hold pending the outcome of the NBA's investigation into whether the Los Angeles Clippers circumvented salary cap rules. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
"The NBA league office informed us that as a result of the ongoing investigation involving the Clippers, we would assume the risk of any potential outcome of the investigation impacting Kawhi," the Raptors said in a statement. "In light of this, we will wait until the league's investigation is complete."
There is no timetable for the conclusion of the NBA's probe, which is being performed by outside counsel. The league had no immediate comment Thursday.
The NBA opened an investigation in September into whether a $28 million endorsement contract between Leonard and Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC — a company that filed for bankruptcy earlier this year — broke league rules, following a report by journalist Pablo Torre.
The Raptors said they remain eager to bring Kawhi back to Toronto and look forward to a swift resolution for their players, organization, and fans.
The Raptors and Clippers struck a deal earlier this month to send Leonard back to the city where he helped win the 2019 NBA championship. The Raptors agreed to send Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round draft picks, two second-round picks and pick swaps to the Clippers for Leonard.
Leonard turned 35 earlier this month but is coming off the highest-scoring season of his career, averaging 27.9 points for the Clippers in 65 games. He is a seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA selection, a two-time NBA champion (also winning in 2014 with San Antonio) and is generally considered one of the game's top defensive players.