The Toronto Raptors made headlines by trading for Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers. Leonard, instrumental in Toronto’s 2019 NBA championship, was part of a transaction that saw Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick move to the Clippers. In addition, the Clippers received unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks.
However, the deal is currently stalled pending the outcome of an NBA investigation into Leonard’s $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration, a green banking company that has gone bankrupt. Concerns have been raised about whether this deal was a method to circumvent the salary cap, since Clippers owner Steve Ballmer had a significant $60 million investment in the company.
The investigation, led by the law firm Wachtell Lipton, started in September 2025. It initially focused on the legality of the endorsement deal but has expanded to include other potential breaches. Investigators are now examining if the Clippers covered certain expenses for Leonard without reimbursement, and if he had other undisclosed endorsement deals.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver expressed his desire for a resolution soon. Speaking at a recent Board of Governors meeting, he mentioned that the investigation must conclude before the next NBA season. Silver noted that the process is taking longer than expected, citing legal challenges and uncooperative witnesses as contributing factors.
Silver also clarified that the NBA did not halt the trade; the teams involved chose to delay the process due to the ongoing investigation. He stated that any risks related to Leonard’s contract were known well in advance, and interested teams had sought answers from the league.
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