Kawhi Leonard has secured his future with the Toronto Raptors while his former team continues dealing with the consequences of the NBA’s investigation.
Leonard agreed to a two-year, $115 million extension Tuesday, including a player option for 2028-29. The 35-year-old is now under contract for three seasons and reportedly expects to finish his career in Toronto.
The Clippers face a much different situation. Following the NBA’s investigation into salary-cap circumvention connected to Leonard’s previous contract, owner Steve Ballmer received a one-year suspension.
The franchise was also fined $30 million and ordered to surrender five first-round draft picks.
Leonard received a $700,000 fine but avoided suspension, while his uncle and former agent, Dennis Robertson, was banned from league activities for five years. His trade to Toronto was allowed to stand.
The issue is not completely resolved, however, as the Justice Department has reportedly opened a criminal inquiry into the Clippers’ dealings involving Leonard.
Questions also remain about Leonard’s sponsorship arrangements. According to the NBA’s findings, he signed a four-year, $28 million deal with Aspiration and received $20 million in equity before the company went bankrupt.
For now, Leonard can focus on his return to Toronto and helping a franchise that has not advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs in six years.
The Clippers, meanwhile, must move forward without Leonard while dealing with significant penalties that could affect the franchise for years.
