Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto is now official after the NBA completed its investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers and cleared the way for the previously agreed trade.
The deal had been arranged in June but remained on hold while the league examined the Clippers for salary-cap circumvention. The investigation ultimately found violations, resulting in a $30 million fine and the loss of five first-round draft picks.
Leonard also gave up significant money to make the move possible. The 35-year-old waived a 15 percent trade kicker worth $7.45 million because the bonus reportedly would have pushed Toronto above the first-apron hard cap.
His departure comes after an eventful summer in which Leonard was fined $700,000 as part of the NBA’s findings. He now returns to the franchise he previously helped win an NBA championship.
The Clippers, meanwhile, continue to deal with the fallout and could also face scrutiny outside the NBA. Owner Steve Ballmer initially challenged the league’s conclusions before later accepting the sanctions.
“Putting aside the precise words he chose to use, most importantly he indicated a willingness to accept the league’s decision in this case and the accompanying sanctions,” Silver said.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also acknowledged that other matters involving Ballmer and the organization remain separate from the league’s investigation.
“There are other inquiries that have nothing to do with the NBA that the Clippers and Steve Ballmer are now dealing with.”
