Kawhi Leonard expects his trade to the Toronto Raptors to be completed before training camp begins – and the organization is preparing accordingly. Despite a summer frozen by an NBA investigation, Leonard’s confidence has only grown, per multiple reports from NBC Sports and HoopsHype.
The blockbuster, agreed in principle at the end of June, sends Leonard back to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and a package of future draft picks from the LA Clippers. The league put the deal on hold after launching a probe into whether the Clippers secretly compensated Leonard through a third-party company when they signed him in free agency in 2019, weeks after he won the championship with the Raptors.
No evidence, but no green light yet
NBA investigators found no direct evidence that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funneled money to Leonard through an intermediary, as BballWire reported on August 19. Still, the league has not formally closed the investigation, and the trade cannot be ratified until it does.
According to HoopsHype, Leonard “has gotten no indication that his contract would be voided” and both he and the Raptors are operating as if the deal will go through. Jake Fischer of NBC Sports reported earlier this month that Leonard specifically expects to be in Toronto before camp opens.
What the trade means for both franchises
If Leonard arrives on time, he returns to the city where he captured his only ring – and where he remains something close to a legend. At 35, he faces questions about durability after several injury-shortened seasons with the Clippers. Toronto is betting he has enough left to anchor a new contention window.
The Raptors give up Brandon Ingram, who averaged 22.4 points per game last season, plus Gradey Dick and draft capital. For LA, the return fits a rebuild. The Clippers unload a max contract, gain young pieces, and move on.
Training camp opens September 22 for teams participating in overseas preseason games, and September 29 for all others. The clock is ticking – but Leonard, for now, is not worried.
Sources: NBC Sports (Jake Fischer) · HoopsHype · NBA.com
