Kawhi Leonard Trade On Hold Until NBA Concludes Aspiration Probe
Hoops Rumors • • sports
Key Points:
- The NBA is still investigating allegations that the Clippers circumvented the salary cap to pay Kawhi Leonard through a no-show endorsement deal with the bankrupt company Aspiration, delaying the finalization of Leonard's trade to the Raptors.
- The Clippers and Raptors agreed to the trade on June 30, but the deal remains on hold pending the investigation's conclusion, with no clear timeline given, though it is expected to finish "in the coming weeks."
- Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and Leonard deny wrongdoing, stating they were victims of fraud by Aspiration co-founder Joe Sanberg, who was recently sentenced to 14 years in prison for wire fraud.
- The Raptors have stated they will assume the risk related only to penalties affecting Leonard’s contract but will wait for the NBA investigation to conclude before finalizing the trade.
- The NBA’s Board of Governors meeting on Tuesday in Las Vegas may provide further clarity or resolution on the investigation and the trade status.
