The trade of Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors is proceeding as agreed
The trade that would bring Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, and a pick swap is proceeding despite the NBA investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers. The agreement, originally reached in June, has not yet been finalized, but all signs point to both franchises honoring the agreed terms.
The move had been on hold while the NBA investigated an alleged salary cap violation by the Clippers related to Leonard. After the player was not suspended and only received a fine, it appears the Raptors are still intent on completing the deal.
| Data | Information |
|---|---|
| Main player | Kawhi Leonard |
| Destination team | Toronto Raptors |
| Original team | Los Angeles Clippers |
| Included players | Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick |
| First-round picks | 2 unprotected |
| Other assets | 1 pick swap |
| Original agreement | June |
| Status | Pending finalization |
| Forecast | Expected to be completed as agreed |
The Kawhi Leonard trade would not change
Brian Windhorst from ESPN stated that the trade is still on track and that, based on the information he has, it will proceed as originally agreed.
"For now, we have no lawsuits or formal reactions from the Clippers," said Windhorst. "I have no information suggesting that there will be any. Everything has been quiet on that front."
"The Clippers haven't made any statements in days."
Tim MacMahon reminded that the franchise had made two strong statements immediately after the investigation's conclusions were revealed.
"They made two pretty strong statements right after what happened," MacMahon noted.
The operation between the Clippers and Raptors, however, has still not been made official.
"The trade between the Raptors and Clippers for Kawhi Leonard has not yet been finalized,” Windhorst added.
"That’s interesting," MacMahon responded.
Windhorst expects it to be completed on Tuesday
The conversation between the two reporters hinted that the agreement could become official soon. Windhorst explained that, after speaking with people close to the situation, he expects the trade to be completed and the original terms to be maintained.
"Well, it’s Monday night," Windhorst continued. "We’ll see what happens on Tuesday. Speaking with people, I believe that trade is going to happen and I think it will be structured as originally proposed. I was struck by them hinting... or maybe not hinting, but asking me if the terms could change."
The journalist also recalled that the agreement between the two franchises was originally reached in June, before the investigation into the Clippers introduced uncertainty around the operation.
The Raptors maintain the agreement for Kawhi Leonard
The conclusion of the NBA investigation seems to have cleared one of the main obstacles for the operation to proceed. Leonard was not suspended and only received a fine, so the Raptors would have a clear path to maintain the agreement reached with the Clippers.
Windhorst also emphasized the importance of honoring the pact that both franchises reached.
"In the NBA, it’s said that a person's word is important," Windhorst said. "They have agreed to this trade, and I believe they will carry it out as structured."
Therefore, barring a last-minute change, the trade of Kawhi Leonard to Toronto should be completed without modifications to the original agreement. The operation remains pending finalization, but available information suggests that the Clippers and Raptors will honor the terms agreed upon in June.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El traspaso de Kawhi Leonard a los Raptors sigue adelante tal y como estaba acordado
