More Kawhi drama: 6 questions to ask with Leonard trade on

Key Points:

• The proposed trade sending Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors is on hold pending the NBA's ongoing 10-month investigation into the Aspiration scandal, which involves allegations of salary cap circumvention by the Los Angeles Clippers.
• The Raptors were surprised to learn they would have to assume the risk of any Leonard-related penalties from the investigation, leading them to delay finalizing the trade until the league completes its review and issues potential punishments.
• The Aspiration scandal centers on Leonard allegedly receiving a $28 million endorsement deal from a bankrupt eco-friendly company linked to Clippers ownership, which was reportedly a "no-show" job designed to circumvent the NBA salary cap.
• If the NBA voids Leonard's contract due to misconduct, the trade could collapse and Leonard would become an unrestricted free agent without bird rights, severely limiting the Raptors' ability to re-sign him at max salary; however, if his contract remains valid, the trade is expected to proceed.
• Despite the uncertainty, the Raptors remain eager to bring Leonard back, and given his reported desire to retire in Toronto, the trade is likely to be completed once the investigation concludes, though fans remain anxious until then.