Kawhi Leonard trade on hold pending NBA investigation completion

10 July 2026 · Source balance: Centre

The Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers agreed on June 30 to trade All-Star Kawhi Leonard to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks. However, on July 9, both teams announced the trade would be put on hold until the NBA completes its investigation into whether the Clippers circumvented salary cap rules. The investigation, which began in September after journalist allegations, centers on a 28 million dollar endorsement deal between Leonard and now-bankrupt company Aspiration. The Clippers owner Steve Ballmer invested 60 million dollars in Aspiration and denies knowledge of Leonard's deal. The Raptors chose not to assume the risk of potential contract penalties and will wait for investigation results. An NBA spokesperson said the league expects the independent law firm to finalize its work in coming weeks, though no specific timeline was provided. The Clippers maintain they did not improperly funnel money and claim to be victims of fraud initiated by Aspiration co-founder Joe Sanberg, who was convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison.