NBA Expands 10-Month Kawhi Leonard Probe, Targets Preseason Finish
Updated
Updated · CBS Sports · Jul 15
NBA Expands 10-Month Kawhi Leonard Probe, Targets Preseason Finish
3 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · Jul 15
Summary
Adam Silver said the NBA's investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers must be completed before next season, setting the clearest timeline yet after the probe spilled into the new league year.
The 10-month inquiry has widened beyond Leonard's Aspiration sponsorship to examine whether the Clippers covered expenses without reimbursement and whether Leonard had a second unreported endorsement deal.
That delay has stalled Toronto's trade to reacquire Leonard after the Raptors were told they would assume any league punishment tied to him.
The Clippers said they still expect the trade to close once the investigation ends, adding that they have cooperated through dozens of interviews and tens of thousands of documents.
At issue is whether a scrapped Aspiration marketing campaign reflected a legitimate public endorsement or a no-show arrangement used to circumvent the NBA salary cap.
With a major trade on hold, is the NBA about to void a superstar's contract?
An owner claims fraud, but did his investment hide a secret salary for a superstar?
Kawhi Leonard Trade to Raptors Stalled by NBA Probe: Clippers Face Possible Contract Voiding and Major Penalties
Overview
A major trade sending Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors was agreed upon but is now on hold, leaving both teams in limbo. The deal stalled after the Raptors announced it was pending the outcome of an ongoing NBA investigation, which is being conducted by outside counsel. This investigation has cast uncertainty over the NBA offseason, as the league expects to conclude it in the coming weeks. Until the probe ends, the future of the trade and the plans of both franchises remain uncertain, highlighting the significant impact of the unresolved situation.