The Toronto Raptors have postponed their trade for Kawhi Leonard due to the NBA’s ongoing investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Clippers are under investigation for a $28 million endorsement between Leonard and Aspiration Fund LLC.
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer was alleged (by Pablo Torre) to have used the now-bankrupt company to circumvent the salary cap.
The Raptors have since learned that any potential punishment for Leonard would fall at their feet if the trade is completed.
Toronto Raptors pause Kawhi Leonard trade as NBA league office gets involved
The Raptors have released a statement after they decided to postpone the Leonard trade until the NBA’s investigation is over.
“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,” they wrote.
“In light of this, we will wait until the league’s investigation is complete. The Raptors remain eager to bring Kawhi back to Toronto and look forward to a swift resolution for our players, our organization, and our fans.”
The Clippers have also responded with a statement insisting that they will be cleared of any wrongdoing when the process concludes.
“While the process has been challenging, we have remained committed to transparency,” they explained. “The investigation is ongoing, and we expect the trade to be finalized following its conclusion.
“At the heart of this investigation are Joe Sanberg and Aspiration. We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration…
“We recognize the uncertainty this has created and the impact it has had on our team, our fans, the Raptors organization, their fans, and the players whose futures remain affected while this process continues.
“We remain confident that, when the facts are evaluated fairly and thoroughly, the NBA will confirm exactly what we have said from the beginning: We have not done what we are accused of doing.”
The two Raptors players waiting for the Leonard trade to be finalized are Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick.
Meanwhile, the Clippers are also set to receive two first-round picks (2021 and 2033), a 2027 first-round pick swap, as well as two second-round picks.
The Raptors are prepared to make a huge commitment to Leonard, so no one can blame them for waiting.
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