NBA clears path for Leonard-Raptors deal

The NBA has decided not to suspend Kawhi Leonard or void his contract after completing its salarycap circumvention investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers. The ruling removes a key obstacle to a potential return to the Toronto Raptors. The league announced sanctions against the Clippers on Wednesday, including the loss of five firstround draft picks from 2029 through 2033 and a US$30 million fine. Owner Steve Ballmer, business operations president Gillian Zucker and basketball operations president Lawrence Frank also received suspensions. Leonard was ordered to pay the NBA $700,000 after investigators said he received offcourt income opportunities with the Clippers' help and did not reimburse personal expenses covered by the team. His uncle and former business manager, Dennis Robertson, was also banned from doing business with NBA teams and affiliates for five years. The Raptors and Clippers had paused a proposed Leonard trade in July while the investigation continued. Leonard previously helped Toronto win the 2019 NBA title before leaving for Los Angeles, and the report says the deal could now move forward.