Kawhi Leonard Trade Finalized After Clippers Pay $7 Million Penalty
The NBA's investigation into the Clippers' salary cap violations led to a significant fine and the forfeiture of draft picks, ultimately allowing the trade of Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors to proceed.
Kawhi Leonard is officially a member of the Toronto Raptors, following the conclusion of an NBA investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers' alleged salary cap circumvention. The trade, initially agreed upon in June, was delayed as the league scrutinized the Clippers' dealings.
The NBA's findings of wrongdoing resulted in a $30 million fine for the Clippers and the forfeiture of five future first-round draft picks. To facilitate the trade's completion, Leonard reportedly waived his 15 percent trade kicker, a bonus valued at $7.45 million. This financial concession was reportedly necessary to ensure the Raptors did not exceed the league's first apron hard cap.
Leonard himself was fined $700,000 as part of the investigation's outcome. Despite being at the center of the NBA's major offseason scandal, he has now moved on from the Clippers to rejoin the franchise with which he previously won an NBA championship.
The Clippers, meanwhile, face further scrutiny, including a potential federal criminal probe related to the salary cap violations. Owner Steve Ballmer, who initially vowed to contest the league's findings, has reportedly accepted the NBA's decision. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged Ballmer's change of stance, stating that the Clippers and Ballmer are now dealing with "other inquiries that have nothing to do with the NBA."