The NBA’s investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers may have reached its final stage, but his proposed return to the Raptors remains on hold.
Speaking on “The Rich Eisen Show,” The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov said the independent law firm hired by the NBA appears to have finished its investigation.
League officials are now reviewing the findings before deciding whether Leonard, the Clippers or owner Steve Ballmer should face punishment.
“The investigation, I think, is over now,” Vorkunov said. “The NBA is kind of like sifting through what the law firm they hired has found, deciding whether there’s a punishment or not that they then want to levy.”
The probe focuses on allegations that Leonard’s endorsement deal with Aspiration, a bankrupt company financially tied to Ballmer, may have been used to bypass the NBA’s salary cap.
Leonard reportedly signed a four-year, $28 million agreement that included company equity despite not participating in traditional promotional work.
The Clippers have denied wrongdoing, saying they were victims of fraud involving Aspiration rather than participants in an effort to provide Leonard with extra compensation.
Although the investigation appears complete, the process is not. Vorkunov said any punishment could require review by an assistant arbitrator, while the National Basketball Players Association would become involved if Leonard is disciplined. Either side could also appeal.
That uncertainty continues to delay the proposed trade that would send Leonard to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and future draft picks.
Still, Vorkunov believes the deal will happen unless the NBA voids Leonard’s contract.
“I think the trade with the Raptors will still happen,” he said. “If there’s like a suspension, let’s say that’s what the investigation finds, you can kind of tweak the terms of the trade a little bit to make up for that.”
If no violations are found, the trade could move forward. Lesser penalties, such as a suspension or fine, may require adjustments to the agreement, while voiding Leonard’s contract would likely end the deal altogether.
For now, Leonard, Ingram and Dick remain with their current teams as everyone awaits the NBA’s decision.
Kawhi Leonard investigation reaches critical stage as NBA trade hangs in balance https://t.co/P5TnJFLFAC pic.twitter.com/A3pjqAiuiw
— New York Post (@nypost) July 26, 2026
