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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 for another NBA championship run.
The Toronto Raptors have completed a delayed blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, bringing back two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Kawhi Leonard. The deal, which was initially agreed upon on June 30, was held up due to an extensive salary-cap circumvention investigation into the Clippers.
The NBA found that the Clippers had violated cap rules by facilitating off-court income opportunities for Leonard, leading to a $30 million fine and the loss of five first-round picks. Despite the penalties, Raptors general manager Bobby Webster expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Leonard back to the team, stating, 'We’re thrilled to welcome Kawhi back to Toronto. His impact on our organization, our city, and our country is undeniable.
Leonard, who was coming off an injury that limited him to just nine games during the regular season the year before, 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.
Adding Leonard puts the Raptors in the conversation for favorites in the Eastern Conference. The trade includes Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap, and two second-rounders. The NBA’s investigation also found a pattern of misconduct by the Clippers, who were penalized heavily for their violations of the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.
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 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.
- On Sept. 2, the NBA announced they had found Leonard and the Clippers had violated cap rules but declined to suspend Leonard or void his current contract.
- 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.
- 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.
- In the summer of 2019, Leonard left the Raptors for the Clippers, who acquired Paul George from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- The Clippers, who traded James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers last season, have never made the NBA Finals in franchise history.