The keys to Kawhi Leonard's departure to the Toronto Raptors

The departure of Kawhi Leonard from Los Angeles Clippers began to take shape before the NBA's investigation into the franchise became the major obstacle to completing his trade. According to Marc Stein, the Clippers were not willing to offer the forward a contract extension that went beyond the 2026-27 season, in which he was set to earn $50.3 million.

This decision was, according to Stein, the initial trigger that led the Clippers and the Toronto Raptors to start exploring a possible trade. Leonard still had one year left on his contract, but the Los Angeles franchise had no intention of committing long-term to the player.

The situation eventually culminated in the agreement that brought Leonard back to Toronto. The Raptors acquired the two-time Finals MVP in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two future first-round picks, a first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks. 

However, the process stretched over weeks due to the NBA's external investigation into the Clippers' allegations of salary cap circumvention. Toronto even paused the trade while waiting for the league's resolution.

The investigation ultimately concluded that the Clippers had committed several violations related to salary cap circumvention rules. The NBA penalized the franchise with the loss of five first-round picks, corresponding to the drafts from 2029 to 2033, as well as imposing other sanctions on the organization and Leonard. 

Kawhi Leonard's Return

With the case resolved, the trade could be completed, and Leonard returned to the Raptors, the team with which he won the NBA championship in 2019. The forward will now face a new chapter in Toronto after the Clippers chose not to commit to him beyond the final year of his contract.

Los Angeles's refusal to offer him a new extension thus appears as one of the initial moves that ultimately triggered an operation that prolonged throughout the summer and finally ended Leonard's stint with the Clippers.

If you want, I can also give it a more sensationalist approach for Blogdebasket, with a stronger headline focusing on the fact that the Clippers were the ones who opened the door for Kawhi's exit.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Las claves de la salida de Kawhi Leonard a Toronto Raptors