The Toronto Raptors have paused their proposed trade for Kawhi Leonard amid an ongoing NBA investigation involving the Los Angeles Clippers. The league warned the Raptors that they would bear any risks associated with the investigation’s outcome if the trade were to proceed.
Under the terms of the proposed deal, the Raptors would send Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, a 2027 pick swap, and two second-round picks to the Clippers in exchange for Leonard. However, the Raptors stated they would wait for the investigation to conclude before moving forward.
The NBA initiated its inquiry in September following reports that Leonard had signed a $28 million “no-show” endorsement contract with Aspiration, a financial technology company focused on environmental initiatives. The contract allegedly required little to no work beyond Leonard remaining affiliated with the Clippers. Aspiration later declared bankruptcy after its co-founder, Joe Sanberg, was charged and convicted of fraud. Leonard himself has not been implicated in any wrongdoing.
“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. The team added that it remains eager to bring Leonard back to Toronto and hopes for a swift resolution for everyone involved, including players and fans.
The Clippers also issued a statement acknowledging the investigation, emphasizing that issues center on Sanberg and Aspiration. “We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration,” the Clippers said. They described Sanberg as a fraudster who has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison. The team expressed regret over the uncertainty and disruption caused by the investigation to all parties, including both teams, their fans, and the players.
Leonard, who led the Raptors to their only NBA championship in 2019 before joining the Clippers as a free agent, recently turned 35 and completed his highest-scoring season, averaging 27.9 points over 65 games. A seven-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion, Leonard is widely regarded as one of the league’s premier defensive players.
Leonard made a public appearance in Toronto on Tuesday at Kyle Lowry’s retirement ceremony, coinciding with efforts to finalize the trade. Recent reports also revealed that Leonard has a new agent and is negotiating a contract extension with the Raptors as part of the proposed deal.