The Los Angeles Clippers are moving into a new era after trading Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors, with interim CEO/governor John Gibson addressing the franchise’s direction for the first time.
Leonard was officially traded on Sept. 14, with Los Angeles receiving Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, a first-round pick swap and two second-round selections.
The deal ended Leonard’s seven-season run with the Clippers, during which the team won two playoff series. Its deepest run came in 2021, when Los Angeles reached the Western Conference finals after Leonard tore his ACL during the second round.
“We thank Kawhi for his contributions on the court and wish him well,” Gibson said. “At the same time, we are excited to welcome Brandon Ingram along with offseason additions Gradey Dick, Rui Hachimura, and Max Strus. They join a talented core that includes Darius Garland, Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., Brook Lopez, Kobe Sanders, Isaiah Jackson and Keaton Wagler, whom we were thrilled to select in this year’s draft.”
The Clippers have also reshaped their front office following the NBA’s punishment over salary-cap circumvention involving off-court income opportunities connected to Leonard. Trent Redden will serve as interim president of basketball operations, while Mark Hughes becomes interim general manager.
The NBA fined the Clippers $30 million and stripped them of five first-round picks. Steve Ballmer and Gillian Zucker received one-year suspensions, while Lawrence Frank was suspended for six months.
Despite the organizational changes, Gibson said the Clippers have “complete confidence” in coach Ty Lue as the franchise moves forward.
