Kawhi Leonard's proposed return to the Toronto Raptors is on hold while the NBA completes an investigation connected to his sponsorship agreement with Aspiration.
Toronto and the LA Clippers reached an agreement in principle on June 30. Under the reported terms, the Clippers would receive Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 pick swap and two second-round selections.
The Raptors said the NBA informed them that completing the deal before the investigation ends would mean accepting the risk of any outcome affecting Leonard. Toronto chose to wait but said it remains interested in bringing him back.
Leonard therefore remains under contract with the Clippers, while Ingram and Dick remain with Toronto. Sportsnet reported that the trade is expected to proceed unless the investigation leads to Leonard's contract being voided.
The league probe followed allegations that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer used Aspiration, a company that later entered bankruptcy, to direct money to Leonard in a way that would have circumvented the salary cap. The Clippers have repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
The Clippers said they have fully cooperated with the independent investigation by participating in interviews, providing documents and making staff available. An NBA spokesperson said there is no firm completion date, although the law firm conducting the review is expected to finish its work in the coming weeks.
If the investigation results in no discipline affecting Leonard's contract, the teams expect the transaction to move forward. A decision to void the contract would create a different outcome for Leonard and would leave Toronto without the player it planned to acquire.
Leonard led the Raptors to the 2019 NBA championship before joining the Clippers. For now, his possible Toronto return remains dependent on the league reaching a final conclusion in the investigation.