Kawhi Leonard Trade to Raptors From Clippers Won't Be Completed Until After NBA Investigation

Kawhi Leonard's return to the Toronto Raptors is on hold until the NBA finishes its investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers.

While Los Angeles agreed to trade Leonard to the Raptors this offseason, it released a statement to ESPN's Shams Charania on Thursday explaining the move will not be official until the investigation is complete.

NBA insider Marc Stein relayed the Raptors' statement:

Toronto's statement made it clear the team still wants to bring Leonard back and hopes for a "swift resolution" while putting the deal on pause so it can to avoid the risk for an investigation involving the Clippers.

Los Angeles agreed to trade Leonard to Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, second-round picks in 2030 and 2033, and rights to a first-round pick swap in 2027.

Assuming it does eventually go through, it would mean Leonard returning to the franchise he led to its only championship during the 2018-19 campaign. While he joined the Clippers the following offseason, he cemented himself as a Raptors legend during that one season.

He was a Second-Team All-NBA selection, Second-Team All-Defensive selection and an All-Star who finished ninth in MVP voting. He then led Toronto through a playoff run that included his series-winning shot against the Philadelphia 76ers and an NBA Finals MVP award.

Leonard has been with the Clippers ever since, but NBA spokesperson Mike Bass released a statement in April that said the league was investigating the team.

Los Angeles released a statement the same day. The investigation is still ongoing.