TORONTO (AP) — The possibility of Kawhi Leonard returning to the Toronto Raptors appears to be gaining traction with the recent resolution of the NBA's investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers regarding salary cap circumvention. This development comes after the league imposed significant penalties on the Clippers, including a hefty fine and the suspension of owner Steve Ballmer.
On Wednesday, the NBA announced that the Clippers would face a $30 million fine, the forfeiture of five first-round draft picks, and a $700,000 fine levied against Leonard himself. While Leonard will not face any game suspensions, the implications of the investigation have raised questions about his future with the team.
The Raptors and Clippers had previously agreed on a trade on June 30 that would see Leonard return to Toronto, where he played a pivotal role in the franchise's 2019 NBA championship victory. The deal would send Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and pick swaps to the Clippers. However, the trade was put on hold pending the outcome of the NBA's investigation.
With the investigation now concluded, the Raptors have yet to comment on the status of the trade, leaving fans and analysts eager to see how the situation unfolds. Leonard, who is coming off a career-high scoring season with an average of 27.9 points over 65 games, remains one of the most sought-after players in the league. His accolades include being a seven-time All-NBA selection and a two-time NBA champion, recognized for his defensive prowess as well.
If the trade goes through, Leonard would join a Raptors roster that includes notable players such as two-time All-Star Scottie Barnes, Canadian standout RJ Barrett, and promising young talent Collin Murray-Boyles. The Raptors finished the 2025-26 season with a record of 46-36 and reached the playoffs for the first time in four years, where they pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to a seven-game series in the first round.
This offseason has already seen the Raptors make significant organizational moves, including extending the contract of general manager Bobby Webster and promoting him to executive vice president, as well as securing a multiyear extension for head coach Darko Rajakovic.
Leonard was recently spotted at a press conference for former Raptors star Kyle Lowry, who announced his retirement on July 7. Meanwhile, Ingram attended a Clippers Summer League game on July 10, indicating the ongoing activity surrounding both players as the offseason progresses.
The NBA's investigation into the Clippers began in September 2025, focusing on a $28 million endorsement deal between Leonard and Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC, a company that has since filed for bankruptcy. The investigation was prompted by a report from journalist Pablo Torre, which raised concerns about potential violations of league rules. Earlier this year, Aspiration's co-founder, Joseph Sanberg, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for defrauding investors and lenders.
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