The fact-finding portion of the NBA’s investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers may finally be complete, but that does not mean his proposed return to the Raptors is ready to move forward.
Appearing on “The Rich Eisen Show,” The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov said the outside law firm hired by the NBA appears to have finished its work. The league must now review the findings and determine whether Leonard, the Clippers or owner Steve Ballmer should face discipline.
“The investigation, I think, is over now,” Vorkunov said. “The NBA is kind of like sifting through what the law firm they hired has found, deciding whether there’s a punishment or not that they then want to levy.”
The probe centers on allegations that Leonard’s endorsement agreement with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt company connected financially to Ballmer, may have been used to circumvent the NBA’s salary cap. Leonard reportedly agreed to a four-year, $28 million endorsement deal that also included company equity, though he did not participate in traditional promotional campaigns for the company.
The Clippers have denied wrongdoing and maintained that they were victims of fraud involving Aspiration rather than participants in an effort to provide Leonard with additional compensation.
Even with the investigative stage reportedly complete, the process could remain unresolved for some time.
Vorkunov explained that any proposed punishment may need to be presented to an assistant arbitrator under the collective bargaining agreement. The National Basketball Players Association would also become involved if the league seeks to discipline Leonard, and either side could appeal the ruling.
That uncertainty continues to hold up the proposed trade sending Leonard to Toronto in a package involving Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and future draft compensation.
Vorkunov still expects the deal to be completed unless the NBA imposes the most extreme possible penalty and voids Leonard’s contract.
“I think the trade with the Raptors will still happen,” he said. “If there’s like a suspension, let’s say that’s what the investigation finds, you can kind of tweak the terms of the trade a little bit to make up for that.”
A finding of no wrongdoing would clear the most direct path toward completing the transaction. A suspension, fine or loss of draft picks could force the Clippers and Raptors to renegotiate portions of the agreement.
Voiding Leonard’s contract would create a much different outcome by removing the contract Toronto agreed to acquire.
For now, Leonard, Ingram and Dick remain attached to their previous teams despite the trade agreement. With no firm timetable for a decision, the uncertainty could extend toward training camp.
Leonard is coming off a season in which he averaged a career-high 27.9 points while remaining one of the NBA’s most effective two-way players when available.
His basketball value is not what is delaying the reunion with Toronto. The next move belongs to the league office.
