NBA: Raptors pause planned Leonard trade amid NBA probe involving Clippers

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors have put their planned trade for Kawhi Leonard on hold while the NBA continues its investigation involving the Los Angeles Clippers, the team announced Thursday.

The Raptors said the NBA informed the organization that it would assume the risk of any outcome from the league's investigation that could affect Leonard. In response, the team decided to delay the transaction until the probe is completed.

"In light of this, we will wait until the league's investigation is complete," the Raptors said in a statement. "The Raptors remain eager to bring Kawhi back to Toronto and look forward to a swift resolution for our players, our organization and our fans."

The NBA launched its investigation in 2025 following media reports alleging that Leonard received payments from a now-bankrupt environmental firm with close ties to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. The reports claimed the arrangement was used to bypass league salary cap rules.

According to the reports, Leonard signed a four-year, $28 million endorsement agreement with the firm but allegedly did not perform any work under the contract.

The Clippers have denied any wrongdoing and said they welcomed the NBA's investigation.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said last month that the investigation was nearing completion.

Leonard rose to prominence with the San Antonio Spurs, earning NBA Finals MVP honors in 2014 after helping the team defeat the Miami Heat. He was traded to Toronto following a dispute over a leg injury and led the Raptors to their first NBA championship in 2019, earning Finals MVP for a second time before signing with the Clippers in free agency.

Media reports last week said the Clippers had agreed to trade the 35-year-old Leonard back to Toronto in a deal that would send Raptors All-Star Brandon Ingram to Los Angeles.

-Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters