NBA salary cap probe delays Kawhi Leonard trade to Toronto Raptors
The blockbuster trade sending Kawhi Leonard from the LA Clippers to the Toronto Raptors has been placed on hold until the NBA concludes an investigation into alleged salary cap circumvention.
The two franchises had initially agreed a deal on 30 June that would see the All-NBA forward return to Canada in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and multiple draft picks.
However, progress has stalled due to league scrutiny over the 35-year-old’s $28m endorsement deal with green banking company Aspiration.
Dispute over potential penalties
The Californian franchise stated on Thursday that the move can only be completed if Toronto ownership accepts the risk of any future punishments resulting from the ongoing inquiry.
“[The trade] can only be finalized if the Raptors’ ownership group assumes the risk of penalties related to Kawhi’s contract that could theoretically result from the ongoing investigation.”
LA Clippers statement
The Canadian outfit responded with their own release, confirming they remain eager to bring the two-time NBA champion back to Scotiabank Arena.
Salary cap circumvention allegations
League officials are examining whether the Clippers illegally bypassed financial regulations by funnelling money to the veteran star through Aspiration, a firm holding a massive $300m sponsorship agreement with the team.
Team owner Steve Ballmer, who personally invested $60m into the banking company, has strongly denied any knowledge of the player’s individual endorsement deal.
“We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration; we were victims of a fraud initiated by [Joe] Sanberg.”
LA Clippers statement
Sanberg, a central figure in the endorsement controversy, has already been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison for his actions.
Impact on the upcoming season
The administrative uncertainty leaves the seven-time All-Star in professional limbo following the highest-scoring campaign of his illustrious career.
The dynamic forward averaged an impressive 27.9 points across 65 appearances last season, reaffirming his status as one of basketball’s premier two-way talents.
With training camps approaching, both organisations are hoping for a swift resolution to prevent further disruptions for their respective rosters.
“We remain confident that, when the facts are evaluated fairly and thoroughly, the NBA will confirm exactly what we have said from the beginning: We have not done what we are accused of doing.”
LA Clippers statement