What Kawhi Leonard trade could mean for Raptors and Clippers
Kawhi Leonard trade update: NBA clears Raptors deal after Clippers penalties Toronto gains defense and cap flexibility while Los Angeles faces major sanctions
The NBA has completed its investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers, removing the delay on a proposed trade involving the Toronto Raptors. The league also handed down major penalties to the Clippers and related team officials for salary cap violations.
According to The Canadian Press report, the trade could help Toronto on defense and give the team more flexibility with its roster and salary cap. Leonard would join a Raptors group that already includes Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Collin MurrayBoyles, Immanuel Quickley, Jamal Shead and Ja'Kobe Walter.
For Los Angeles, the punishment is severe: the team lost five firstround picks and was fined US$30 million, while Leonard was also fined. The article says the combination of the earlier Paul George deal and the NBA’s ruling could leave the Clippers without their own firstround pick for 13 years.