Toronto Raptors put Kawhi Leonard trade on hold pending NBA investigation

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors say they have put their proposed trade for Kawhi Leonard on hold after the NBA said the team would assume the risk of any outcome from the league’s ongoing investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers.

The proposed deal would send Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, a 2027 pick swap and two second-round picks to the Clippers for Leonard.

The NBA opened an investigation in September following allegations first reported by journalist Pablo Torre that Leonard signed a US$28-million “no-show” endorsement deal with Aspiration, an environmental financial technology company, that required no work beyond remaining with the Clippers.

Aspiration later entered bankruptcy after its co-founder, Joe Sanberg, was charged with fraud, though Leonard has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

The Raptors said they will wait until the investigation is complete before moving ahead with the trade.

“The NBA league office informed us that as a result of the ongoing investigation involving the Clippers, we would assume the risk of any potential outcome of the investigation impacting Kawhi,” the team said in a statement.

“The Raptors remain eager to bring Kawhi back to Toronto and look forward to a swift resolution for our players, our organization, and our fans.”

The Clippers also issued a statement saying that they expect the trade will be completed once the investigation concludes.

“At the heart of this investigation are Joe Sanberg and Aspiration. We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration,” said the Clippers. “Like many sophisticated investors, financial institutions, and business partners, we were victims of a fraud initiated by Sanberg, who has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison.

“We recognize the uncertainty this has created and the impact it has had on our team, our fans, the Raptors organization, their fans, and the players whose futures remain affected while this process continues.”

Leonard led the Raptors to their only NBA championship in 2019 before leaving for the Clippers as a free agent that summer.

He turned 35 earlier this month but is coming off the highest-scoring season of his career, averaging 27.9 points for the Clippers in 65 games.

Leonard is a seven-time All-Star, a seven-time All-NBA selection, a two-time NBA champion (also winning in 2014 with San Antonio) and is generally considered one of the game’s top defensive players.

Leonard made a public appearance in Toronto on Tuesday, attending Kyle Lowry’s retirement ceremony as the Raptors worked to finalize the proposed trade.

An ESPN report on Monday said that Leonard had a new agent and was in contract-extension negotiations with the Raptors as part of the deal.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2026.

The Canadian Press