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Clippers, Raptors Complete Delayed Leonard Trade
Confirmed
In Short: The Toronto Raptors have finalized a delayed blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, securing the return of Kawhi Leonard.
The Toronto Raptors have completed a delayed trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, bringing back two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. The deal, initially agreed upon on June 30, was held up by the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers for circumventing the salary cap.
Leonard, who was coming off an injury that limited him to just nine games during the regular season, was able to stay healthy throughout the year and led the Raptors to 58 wins, their second-highest in team history. He averaged 26.6 points per game during the regular season and 28.5 per game in the Finals, capturing his second Finals MVP award.
General Manager Bobby Webster expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Leonard back to Toronto, stating, 'We’re thrilled to welcome Kawhi back to Toronto. His impact on our organization, our city, and our country is undeniable, and he embodies the competitiveness and championship mindset that we value.
The NBA found that Leonard and the Clippers had violated cap rules, but declined to suspend Leonard or void his current contract. The league fined the Clippers $30 million and they lost five first-round picks. The trade was officially confirmed on Monday, with the Raptors receiving Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap, and two second-rounders in return.
Adding Leonard puts the Raptors in the conversation for favorites in the Eastern Conference. The trade marks a significant move for the Raptors, who were the second seed in the Eastern Conference during the 2018-19 season, and could potentially challenge for another championship with Leonard’s presence.
What's confirmed
- The LA Clippers and Raptors have both agreed to complete the trade sending Kawhi Leonard to Toronto for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap and two second-rounders.
What's still developing
- The completion of the agreement was heavily delayed following its initial handshake on June 30.
- The NBA previously placed a hold on the transaction to launch an extensive salary-cap circumvention investigation regarding an alleged off-the-books endorsement deal under the Clippers ‘ roof.
- The league said in their findings that Leonard received off-court income opportunities from companies doing business with the team and said the Clippers facilitated business in a way that went against the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
- Lewenberg: NBA 'dropped the hammer' on Clippers; Kawhi's punishment a 'drop in the bucket' Feschuk: 'How about that, Kawhi walks pretty much scot-free' Kawhi Leonard is finally a Toronto Raptor once again.
- The NBA announced that the Clippers and Leonard were penalized for violating the salary cap circumvention rules included in the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).
- Leonard requested a trade from the San Antonio Spurs and was traded to the Raptors for DeMar DeRozan in 2018.
- Behind Leonard, Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry, Toronto defeated the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks to reach the 2019 NBA Finals, where the Raptors squared off against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
- Leonard won Finals MVP after averaging 28.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in the six-game series.