The NBA’s investigation into alleged salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers is reportedly still far from reaching a conclusion, creating continued uncertainty around Leonard’s proposed trade to the Toronto Raptors.
According to the latest reports, the league’s probe is not expected to wrap up anytime soon, with the process potentially extending all the way to the start of training camp in late September.
Despite the delay, there remains optimism on both sides of the deal. The Raptors and Leonard reportedly still believe the trade will ultimately receive league approval once the investigation concludes.
The investigation centers on allegations that the Clippers may have circumvented the NBA’s salary cap through off-court endorsement arrangements involving Leonard. The franchise has consistently denied any wrongdoing, while the NBA has retained outside counsel to conduct the investigation. Recent reports have also alleged the existence of an additional endorsement agreement that investigators are examining as part of the broader probe.
Until the investigation is complete, the Leonard-to-Toronto trade remains on hold. Commissioner Adam Silver has previously indicated that the league wants to resolve the matter before the start of the 2026-27 NBA season, but no official timetable has been announced.
