New Kawhi Leonard Rumors on Clippers-Raptors Trade After NBA Concludes Investigation

The blockbuster trade between the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors involving Kawhi Leonard can move forward after the NBA concluded its investigation into the Clippers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

"There's full expectation that this trade will be going down as is between the Clippers and the Raptors that had multiple first-round picks, other swaps and second-round pick considerations going to the Clippers," Charania reported during a Wednesday appearance on SportsCenter (3:00 mark). "The trade is on track and both sides can now move forward with getting this deal done."

On Wednesday, the NBA announced that the Clippers and Leonard were both penalized for violating the salary cap circumvention rules contained in the collective bargaining agreement.

Toronto initially agreed to acquire Leonard in a trade with Los Angeles on June 30, although the swap was later put on hold due to the NBA's ongoing investigation.

The Raptors sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two future first-round picks, two second-round picks and one first-round pick swap to the Clippers in exchange for Leonard as part of the agreement.

Leonard previously spent one year with Toronto during the 2018-19 season, helping lead the team to a championship while earning Finals MVP honors.

He eventually joined Los Angeles during the 2019 offseason.

As part of the penalties announced by the NBA on Wednesday, the Clippers were fined $30 million and required to forfeit five first-round picks in 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032 and 2033.

Clippers governor Steve Ballmer was suspended from all league and team activities for one year due to his involvement, while president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank received a six-month suspension.

The Clippers released a statement in which they rejected the NBA's findings, although Charania noted that the league's rulings are final and there is no formal appeal or arbitration process. The organization's only avenue to fight the penalties is in court.

As for the Raptors, they're looking to contend in the Eastern Conference with Leonard after finishing with a 46-36 record and making a first-round playoff appearance last season.

The seven-time All-Star is joining a Toronto starting lineup that includes Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.