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NBA concludes Clippers investigation, clearing path for potential Kawhi Leonard trade to Raptors

The league handed down major sanctions against the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard over cap circumvention, potentially reviving a stalled trade agreement with Toronto.

Updated Sep 3, 2026 · 17:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • The NBA completed its investigation into salary cap circumvention regarding a $28 million endorsement deal involving Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers.
  • The Clippers were fined $30 million, forfeited five first-round draft picks, and saw owner Steve Ballmer suspended for one year, while Leonard received a $700,000 fine without a suspension.
  • The conclusion of the inquiry removes an obstacle for a June 30 trade agreement that would send Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and draft assets.
  • The Raptors have not officially commented on whether or when the suspended transaction will be finalized.

Key facts

  • The NBA sanctioned the Los Angeles Clippers for violating salary cap circumvention rules by suspending owner Steve Ballmer for one year, issuing a $30 million fine, and stripping the team of five first-round draft selections.[Associated Press]
  • Kawhi Leonard was fined $700,000 by the NBA as part of the investigation's resolution but received no game suspensions.[Associated Press]
  • On June 30, the Toronto Raptors agreed to acquire Leonard from the Clippers in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and pick swaps.[Associated Press]
  • The proposed trade was paused in July pending the completion of the NBA's inquiry.[Associated Press]
  • The league's investigation originated in September 2025 around a $28 million endorsement contract between Leonard and the bankrupt entity Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC.[Associated Press]

What remains uncertain

  • The current status and timeline for formally executing the trade agreement remain unconfirmed, as the Raptors declined to comment following the league's announcement.[Associated Press]

Sources