The Toronto Raptors have put their planned trade for Kawhi Leonard on hold as the NBA continues its investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers concerning salary cap violations [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The NBA launched the probe in 2025 after allegations surfaced that the Clippers circumvented salary cap rules by funneling money to Leonard through a $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt green banking company linked closely to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The Raptors were notified by the NBA that they would have to assume the risks of any penalties arising from the investigation if they proceeded with the trade [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The proposed deal would send Leonard back to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks in 2030 and 2033 [3, 4].
The Clippers have denied wrongdoing, stating, "We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration. Like many sophisticated investors, financial institutions, and business partners, we were victims of a fraud initiated by [Joe] Sanberg, who has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison," referring to the Aspiration co-founder implicated in the scandal [4, 5].
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in early July 2026 that "The investigation into the Clippers was close to the point now where I think we need to wrap this up," signaling that a conclusion is near [1, 2].
Leonard, 35, led the Raptors to their only NBA championship in 2019 and is a two-time NBA Finals MVP (2014 with the Spurs, 2019 with the Raptors) [1, 2, 4]. He remains under contract through 2027 and is expected to earn more than $50 million in the next season, with hopes for a two-year, $126.1 million extension [5]. Leonard and his uncle and business advisor Dennis Robertson have been interviewed as part of the investigation [4].
Until the probe is complete and issues resolved, Leonard remains a Clipper, while Ingram and Dick stay with the Raptors. The trade will only proceed if no discipline results [3, 4].
The Raptors said, "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" [1].
