New Kawhi Leonard Rumors Reveal Raptors Are 'Eager' to Complete Trade with Clippers After NBA Probe

Now that Kawhi Leonard has avoided suspension in the wake of the NBA's discipline following an independent investigation into rules violations involving the Los Angeles Clippers, the Toronto Raptors are ready to go through with the trade for the two-time NBA Finals MVP.

Per NBA insider Marc Stein, the Raptors are "eager" to complete their trade with the Clippers for Leonard and they "firmly believe that the deal will happen as agreed upon and intended."

Despite Toronto's eagerness, Stein did note people around the NBA have started to "wonder aloud" if the Clippers are delaying an agreement "to spite" Leonard:

"Yet the delay has naturally led some league observers to wonder aloud whether the Clippers are holding off — or considering something even more drastic — to spite Leonard for so readily accepting the league's punishment rather than invoking his right to pursue an appeal. Any formal appeal within the NBA's auspices in such matters, remember, must be initiated by the player in question rather than the team according to league by-laws.

"Multiple sources briefed on the situation nonetheless insisted to The Stein Line this week that Clippers continue to maintain that uncertainty about how their front office will function with owner Steve Ballmer suspended for one year and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank suspended for six months is the true cause of the holdup."

The Clippers' discipline includes forfeiting first-round draft picks every year from 2029 to '33; one year suspensions for governor Steve Ballmer and president of business operations Gillian Zucker; and a six-month suspension for president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank.

Leonard was fined $700,000, but he will not be suspended.

Per ESPN's Brian Windhorst (h/t RealGM.com), the trade between the Raptors and Clippers is expected to go through as it was originally constructed with no amendments.

Stein and Fischer reported on Tuesday that one potential hold up is due to the Clippers still working through their new front office structure with Ballmer, Zucker and Frank suspended.

According to Windhorst, the "likely" scenario is general manager Trent Redden will be put in charge of the basketball operations in Los Angeles for the time being.

The trade, which was originally agreed to on June 30, will send Leonard to Toronto with 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 going back to the Clippers.

On July 9, the Raptors released a statement saying they planned to wait until the NBA completed its investigation before going through with the trade because they "would assume the risk of any potential outcome" impacting Leonard's status.

The next key date on the calendar for the Raptors is Sept. 29 when they are scheduled to open training camp.