Kawhi Leonard Optimistic Despite NBA Investigation Into Raptors Trade
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The NBA superstar believes he will join Toronto by training camp, even as allegations of salary cap circumvention linger.
Kawhi Leonard believes he will be a member of the Toronto Raptors shortly, according to reporting from BlogTO. NBA insider Jake Fischer reports that the 35-year-old Leonard "strongly believes" he will join the team in time for the Sept. 29 training camp in Quebec City.
The situation stems from a June 30 blockbuster trade agreement in which the Raptors would acquire Leonard from the LA Clippers. In exchange, Toronto would send Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks (2031 and 2033), and two second-round picks (2030 and 2033) to Los Angeles. However, BlogTO reports that Toronto placed the trade on hold on July 9 while the NBA investigates whether the Clippers and Leonard engaged in backroom deals to circumvent the league's salary cap.
The investigation has been complicated by a report from investigative sports journalist Pablo Torre, which alleged an under-the-table multi-million-dollar deal existed between Leonard and the jumbotron company Daktronic. While some speculation suggests arbitration could extend the investigation into 2027, Fischer notes that the LA Clippers are prepared to enter arbitration depending on the severity of the NBA's penalties.
If the trade is eventually permitted, the expectation is that Leonard will negotiate a contract extension with the Raptors that lasts beyond the upcoming season.