Kawhi Leonard has been traded to the Toronto Raptors, with the LA Clippers finalizing the deal on Monday afternoon, according to ESPN.
The trade sends Leonard to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round draft picks, a first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks.
This agreement concludes months of anticipation for both franchises, as the deal had been reached earlier in the offseason but was postponed due to the NBA's investigation into the Clippers for alleged salary-cap circumvention. Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn initiated a criminal investigation into claims that the Clippers used third-party side deals to make under-the-table payments to Leonard, thereby skirting NBA salary-cap rules.
This development follows recent sanctions against the Clippers, including the forfeiture of five first-round draft picks, a $30 million fine for owner Steve Ballmer, and a one-year suspension for the former Microsoft CEO. Ballmer and the Clippers are reportedly considering legal action or a restraining order in response to the league's penalties.
The NBA's investigation identified a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations by the Clippers. While Leonard was not suspended, he was required to pay $700,000 in restitution for improper benefits received. His uncle and representative, Dennis Robertson, has been banned from any business dealings with the NBA. Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank received a six-month unpaid suspension, and president of business operations Gillian Zucker a one-year ban.
The trade marks a significant return for Leonard, who led the Raptors to their first NBA championship in 2019, earning Finals MVP honors, before joining the Clippers. The six-time All-Star is expected to rejoin a retooled Toronto team, aiming to bolster their contention in the Eastern Conference.