After more than two months, the high-profile trade between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors, involving Kawhi Leonard, has been finalized. The Raptors traded all-star forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round draft picks, a first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks in exchange for Leonard, who led them to their only championship in 2019.
The delay in completing the trade was due to an investigation by the NBA into a salary-cap circumvention scheme involving Leonard and the Clippers. The scheme came to light in September 2025 on a sports journalist’s podcast, revealing that the Clippers funneled money to Leonard through undisclosed sponsorship deals with team-affiliated companies.
Following a thorough investigation by the law firm Wachtell Lipton, the NBA imposed unprecedented sanctions on the Clippers. They were fined $30 million and stripped of five first-round draft picks, while key executives received suspensions. Owner Steve Ballmer, a top figure in the tech industry, was banned from all league and team activities for one year due to his involvement in facilitating off-court income opportunities for Leonard.
Despite initial resistance, Ballmer eventually accepted the league’s penalties, clearing the way for the Raptors and the Clippers to finalize the Leonard trade. The Raptors officially announced the completion of the trade, welcoming back Leonard in a social media post.
The return of Kawhi Leonard has sparked excitement among Raptors fans, hoping for a resurgence with the former Finals MVP back in the fold. However, questions linger about Leonard’s performance and age, as he enters his 35th year and has struggled with injuries in recent seasons.
The trade has its complexities, with the Raptors banking on Leonard’s past success and potential impact. While there are concerns about his age and contract, the Raptors are optimistic about his return. The aftermath of the trade and the impact on both teams will unfold as the new NBA season progresses.
