Leonard, Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick were included in a trade agreed to by the Clippers and Raptors several weeks ago<\/a>. However, NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed both teams have chosen not to complete the deal until the league\u2019s investigation has concluded.<\/p>\n Toronto believed it had secured the return of the seven-time All-Star, who famously led the franchise to its first NBA championship in 2019. Instead, the Raptors remain in limbo while the league examines whether the Clippers violated salary cap rules through a $28 million (A$40.2 million) endorsement agreement Leonard signed with Aspiration in 2022.<\/p>\n According to ESPN NBA insider Baxter Holmes<\/a>, the investigation could now extend well beyond the start of the 2026-27 season.<\/p>\n \u201cThe NBA investigation into whether the LA Clippers circumvented the salary cap to pay Kawhi Leonard could drag into 2027 if the parties don\u2019t agree on the findings or any proposed settlement that involves punishing the team,\u201d Holmes reported.<\/p>\n The situation could become even more complicated if the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association fail to agree on any proposed penalties.<\/p>\n Holmes reported that the NBPA would be prepared to challenge any punishment through arbitration if it believed the league had not produced sufficient evidence to support its allegations.<\/p>\n The investigation began almost 10 months ago following reports surrounding Leonard\u2019s endorsement deal with Aspiration, a company that also held a long-term commercial partnership with the Clippers before later entering bankruptcy.<\/p>\n Speaking during NBA Summer League in Las Vegas earlier this month, NBPA executive director David Kelly said he had seen nothing to suggest the Clippers had committed any wrongdoing.<\/p>\n \u201cNot from anything I\u2019ve seen.\u201d<\/p>\n Silver has acknowledged the investigation has taken far longer than anticipated, describing it as a particularly complex process involving bankruptcy proceedings and reluctant witnesses.<\/p>\n Should the league, the Clippers and the NBPA fail to reach an agreement, the matter could proceed to an independent arbitrator. That process would allow for additional evidence gathering, witness testimony and formal hearings before any decision could ultimately be appealed through a jointly appointed NBA-NBPA panel.<\/p>\n Under the NBA\u2019s collective bargaining agreement, teams found guilty of salary cap circumvention can face significant penalties, including fines of up to $7.5 million (A$10 million), the loss of draft picks, the voiding of player contracts and suspensions for team personnel.<\/p>\n The Clippers have consistently denied any wrongdoing and remain prepared to challenge any punishment through arbitration if necessary.<\/p>\n The ongoing investigation has also created uncertainty for the Raptors, who remain committed to bringing Leonard back to Toronto despite not knowing when, or even if, the trade can be completed.<\/p>\n The delay comes at a pivotal time for the franchise.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/poster-fallback.png\"\/)
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