All articles tagged with #los angeles clippers
An ongoing NBA inquiry into the Clippers over potential salary-cap circumvention linked to an Aspiration endorsement has put the Kawhi Leonard–to–Raptors trade on pause, with the league warning of possible outcomes as the investigation drags on and teams adjust their plans for the upcoming season.
The trade sending Kawhi Leonard from the Clippers to the Raptors, agreed June 30, remains on hold as the NBA investigates potential salary-cap violations related to Leonard’s courting in 2019 and an Aspiration endorsement deal. Both teams say the deal will close after the investigation concludes, with the Raptors noting they’ll accept penalties if deemed appropriate. The case centers on claimed no-show endorsement payments and the Clippers’ defense accusing Aspiration executives rather than Leonard’s own actions.
The Raptors-Clippers trade to bring Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto is on hold as the NBA continues its 10-month Aspiration investigation; Toronto would assume any Leonard-related penalties before the deal can be finalized. If the contract is voided, the trade could collapse and Leonard would become a free agent; if not, the deal is likely to proceed, potentially with a two-year extension for Leonard, with resolution expected in coming weeks ahead of a possible NBA board meeting.
A trade that would send Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors is on hold while the NBA investigates possible salary-cap circumvention related to endorsement payments tied to a Ballmer-funded tree-planting company; the deal includes Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and two second-rounders, and cannot be finalized until league findings are released. The Raptors said they would wait for the league's findings and not assume potential penalties; the investigation has been ongoing since September 2025 with no end date.
The proposed Kawhi Leonard trade between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors will not be finalized until the NBA completes its investigation into alleged salary-cap circumvention involving the Clippers and Aspiration; Toronto says it will wait for the league’s findings to avoid potential penalties, while Los Angeles notes it did not funnel funds through Aspiration. The deal, which would send Leonard to Toronto for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, remains on hold pending the league’s conclusion.
Phoenix Suns re-sign Mark Williams, Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin to emphasize continuity after a 45-win season, while trading Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale to Charlotte for Miles Bridges. The Kings’ Bobby Jackson won’t return as an assistant. Meanwhile, the Lakers added Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton, with at least one roster spot still open. The Clippers signed Rui Hachimura to bolster the frontcourt, but may still hunt for a center, as Kawhi Leonard–Toronto trade chatter persists and potential fits like Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick are weighed."
The article envisions five sneaky destinations for LeBron James in 2026—Clippers, Rockets, Jazz, Trail Blazers, and Pacers—each paired with a suggested starting lineup to maximize his impact with a mix of young talent and veterans. It notes ESPN-backed chatter that Cavaliers, Heat, and Warriors are leaders to sign him, with the Nuggets also showing interest.
Kawhi Leonard returns to the Toronto Raptors in a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, sending Ingram, Gradey Dick and multiple unprotected first-round picks to L.A. while Toronto gains a high-end two-way star (health permitting). The Clippers pivot to a younger core with substantial draft capital, and Oklahoma City stands to benefit from future picks. The analysis casts Leonard as a potential winner if he stays healthy, but his fitness remains the key risk in this high-stakes move.
Toronto reportedly reacquires Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Gradey Dick, Brandon Ingram, and future draft picks (2031 and 2033 unprotected first-rounders; 2030 and 2033 second-rounders; a 2027 first-round swap). Leonard, who has one year left on his Clippers contract, is expected to sign a two-year extension with Toronto. He averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists last season; Ingram returns to L.A. where he started his career, and Dick — the 2023 No. 13 pick — has averaged 9.2 points over three seasons.
ESPN reports the Los Angeles Clippers are trading Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, a pick swap and two second-rounders. Leonard, the 2019 Finals MVP with Toronto, returns to the franchise seven years after leaving for L.A. The deal comes as the Clippers pivot to a youth movement after trading James Harden and Ivica Zubac; the NBA is investigating a sponsorship-related salary-cap issue the Clippers deny. Toronto, rebuilt around Scottie Barnes, now eyes continued contention in the East with Leonard aboard.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that a Kawhi Leonard trade from the Clippers to the Raptors could be finalized today, with Toronto and L.A. agreeing on player compensation that could include Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick. Draft picks are still being negotiated. The Raptors are reportedly willing to offer Leonard an extension, and he’s open to signing in Toronto, while the Clippers want more draft capital and are hesitant to commit long-term. Leonard had a strong season but is 35 and injury-prone, raising questions about long-term value for the Clippers.
The Clippers and Raptors are in serious talks about Kawhi Leonard with momentum, while they do not plan to pursue Jaylen Brown from the Celtics; Leonard’s upcoming contract and 2026-27 season frame the discussions, and Brown remains a topic of separate trade chatter among teams including Boston.
Toronto Raptors are pursuing Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers, but the deal is blocked by Leonard’s expected extension with Toronto and the Clippers’ demand for a top asset. The Raptors reportedly won’t part with Collin Murray-Boyles, their prized young piece, which could push the Clippers toward alternatives like Ja’Kobe Walter. A potential offer discussed by some view as Walter, Brandon Ingram, and a future first-round pick, but the Raptors’ leverage and untouchability of Murray-Boyles complicate any agreement.
The article surveys six potential Kawhi Leonard trades amid Clippers rumors, including a Raptors reunion and deals with the Spurs, Nuggets, Celtics, Pistons, and 76ers. Durability concerns and cap issues are cited as complicating factors for any deal.
NBA insiders outline a busy offseason: Kawhi Leonard’s next destination remains linked to Toronto with Dallas unlikely; the Clippers weigh cap-space moves and could pursue Brandon Ingram or re-sign John Collins; Orlando is expected to keep Goga Bitadze while Moritz Wagner tests free agency; Houston’s interest in Marcus Smart is heating up toward a three-year offer; the Kings (and Nets/Lakers) are weighing Mitchell Robinson if cap space opens; Celtics eye Kevon Looney and possibly a reunion with Robert Williams; Nuggets have interviewed Dave Joerger for an assistant role.