Clippers Finalize Long-Delayed Kawhi Leonard Trade

The Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors finalized the long-delayed trade sending seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto, where he led the franchise to its first NBA championship and won Finals MVP in 2019. Toronto acquired Leonard in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and second-round picks in 2030 and 2033. The deal had been on hold since June 30 while the NBA investigated alleged salary-cap circumvention involving Leonard and Clippers-connected business arrangements. The league fined the Clippers $30 million, stripped them of five future first-round picks, and suspended owner Steve Ballmer for one year, while fining Leonard $700,000 without suspending him or releasing him from his contract. Leonard accepted responsibility for lapses in judgment within his inner circle, and his uncle Dennis Robertson was barred from NBA-related business for five years. Leonard, who averaged roughly 28 points and six rebounds last season, gives Toronto a major star alongside Scottie Barnes, while Los Angeles begins a new era led in part by Ingram.