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The 2019 Finals MVP is heading back to Toronto.
According to ESPN, the Clippers are nearing a trade that will send Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, 2 first-round picks, one pick swap, and two second-round picks.
Leonard is in the last year of his contract and will be owed $50.3 million for the 2026-27 season. He is eligible to sign a two-year extension worth $123.7 million this offseason.
The trade comes despite the looming NBA ruling on the Clippers’ relationship with the failed environmental startup Aspiration and allegations that the team circumvented the league’s salary cap to pay Leonard. NBA commissioner Adam Silver indicated at his pre-Finals press conference that the league’s investigation, which has been going on for nine months, will wrap up shortly. Nearly a month later, no announcement has been made, and Leonard is on the move.
If the Clippers are found to have broken the collective bargaining agreement, they could be susceptible to fines and/or a loss of draft picks, with Leonard’s contract also having the potential to be voided. The trade, however, could potentially indicate that both teams received assurance from the league that the latter would not occur.
An NBA spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on the Aspiration investigation or whether Leonard’s contract is eligible to be traded.
The Aspiration scandal isn’t the first controversy Leonard has been involved in. The forward’s uncle and advisor, Dennis Robertson, was investigated by the league for reportedly asking teams—including the Raptors—for impermissible benefits during his 2019 free agency. Those benefits included Leonard having minority ownership of the team, a private jet available at all times, and a guaranteed amount of endorsement money.
While the 2019 investigation found no validity to the claims against Robertson, his name has been front and center in the Aspiration probe. Nevertheless, the Raptors appear ready to forgive “Uncle Dennis” and welcome Leonard back to Toronto in their quest for a second championship.
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