What Happened
The NBA has officially approved a blockbuster trade that sends Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors. The deal was heavily delayed while the league investigated the Los Angeles Clippers for salary-cap circumvention and rules violations.
In exchange for Leonard, the Raptors are sending All-Star forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, multiple unprotected future first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 pick swap, and two second-round picks to L.A.
The Fallout for L.A.
The trade was stalled while the NBA completed an extensive independent investigation into the Clippers. The league ultimately penalized the franchise severely.
The Clippers were stripped of five first-round draft picks spanning from 2029 through 2033 and hit with a massive $30 million fine. Additionally, owner Steve Ballmer and president of business operations Gillian Zucker were suspended for one year, while president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank received a six-month suspension. Kawhi Leonard himself was fined $700,000, though the league chose not to suspend him or void his contract.
What It Means for Toronto
For the Raptors, the move brings back the centerpiece of their historic 2019 championship run. Leonard averaged 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game last season for the Clippers and immediately bolsters a Toronto defense that ranked fifth in the league.
To make the deal work under financial constraints, Leonard waived his entire 15 percent trade bonus. Raptors general manager Bobby Webster expressed excitement over welcoming the veteran leader back to the franchise as the team targets another deep postseason run.
What's Next
Brandon Ingram heads to the Clippers following a productive season in Toronto where he averaged 21.5 points per game before suffering a heel injury in the playoffs. Gradey Dick also joins L.A. after experiencing a dip in playing time during his third professional season.
Leonard is scheduled to speak publicly at Toronto's media day on September 28, marking his official second tenure with the franchise.
