​Los Angeles, California — January 10: Team owner Steve Ballmer of the Clippers surveys the action during the second half of a matchup with the Toronto Raptors at Crypto.com Arena on January 10, 2024. Note: By downloading or using this photograph, you acknowledge and agree to the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Kawhi Leonard’s reaction during a game with the Clippers is captured as L.A.’s high-profile deal to move the two-time Finals MVP back to Toronto has stalled as the NBA completes its inquiry into the franchise. The trade to send Leonard to the Raptors has hit a significant obstacle, with the league pausing the process as its investigation into the Clippers unfolds, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, who reported on Thursday.
“The Raptors and Clippers were on the brink of finalizing the deal and submitting the trade call to the NBA,” Charania explained on NBA Today. “But the NBA has essentially paused those discussions until the investigation is concluded.” Charania noted that Toronto has opted not to assume any potential penalties or fallout related to Leonard once the league’s inquiry ends.
The Clippers’ efforts to facilitate Leonard’s return to Toronto have faced another hurdle. The NBA’s ongoing probe into the franchise remains unresolved, slowing what would have been a landmark swap. Ballmer has publicly denied any misconduct as the investigation into Kawhi Leonard’s endorsement arrangements continues to cast a shadow over the deal.
In the arena before another game against Toronto, Ballmer was seen on the sideline as the investigation presses on. The Clippers previously indicated that they have cooperated fully with the NBA since the inquiry began nearly a year ago, providing access to staff, tens of thousands of documents, and participation in numerous interviews.
A team statement released to ESPN reiterated the organization’s extensive cooperation, noting that while an agreement in principle to trade Leonard to Toronto was reached on June 30, the move could not be completed unless Raptors ownership accepted the risks associated with possible penalties tied to Leonard’s contract. “The investigation is ongoing, and we expect the trade to be finalized following its conclusion,” the Clippers stated.
The focus of the investigation centers on allegations that the Clippers sidestepped salary-cap constraints by channeling money to Leonard through his endorsement deal with Aspiration. The Clippers have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing that the core questions revolve around Joe Sanberg and Aspiration and asserting that no funds were funneled to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration as part of the endorsement arrangement.
ESPN has previously reported details related to Leonard, his uncle, and the broader context of the negotiations, but the league’s inquiry continues to hold up what would be one of the most consequential trades of the season. The implications of the investigation and its potential penalties could shape Leonard’s career trajectory and the future of both franchises as they navigate the process to resolve the matter.