Kawhi Leonard Trade to Toronto Expected to Be Finalized After NBA Ruling

The deal sending Kawhi Leonard from the Clippers to the Raptors will happen — it just hasn’t been made official yet, according to multiple league sources.

The NBA recently concluded its investigation into the Clippers’ arrangement to pay Leonard beyond what the salary cap permitted, hitting the franchise and owner Steve Ballmer with significant penalties, including the forfeiture of five first-round draft picks. Leonard himself received a comparatively light punishment. Toronto had delayed closing the trade until the league’s ruling was clear, since a suspension of Leonard would have shifted risk to the Raptors under the agreed terms.

Why the holdup?

Two factors are keeping the transaction from being finalized. First, there is little time pressure: the deal needs to close before training camps open on Sept. 22, leaving a window of a few weeks. Second, the Clippers must reorganize their basketball operations leadership after the investigation resulted in suspensions, including president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank. General manager Trent Redden is expected to assume the top role on an interim basis for roughly six months, though that arrangement has not yet been formally announced.

Neither side is expected to walk away. Backing out would damage the reputation of any franchise that agreed to terms and then reversed course, and both teams view the trade as serving their interests.

The deal terms

The trade would send Leonard to Toronto, where a pairing with Scottie Barnes at forward gives the Raptors a notable tandem in the Eastern Conference. The Clippers would receive Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, two first-round pick swaps, and a second-round selection. Those picks carry added weight for the Clippers now that the league has stripped five of their own first-round selections as part of the penalties.

The story was reported by NBC Sports, part of Comcast’s sports media holdings. Comcast (CMCSA) was trading at $24.35 in recent activity, down 7.52% from its prior close of $26.33, with a market capitalization of roughly $92.5 billion.

What to watch

• Formal announcement of the completed trade ahead of training camps opening Sept. 22
• Confirmation of Trent Redden’s interim leadership role with the Clippers
• Any further league disclosures on the Leonard investigation or additional penalties

Source: original release