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● TRACKER Updated 6d ago · 19 sources tracked

Mavericks, Clippers Have Explored Kawhi Leonard Trade

The Kawhi Leonard trade between the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors is on hold due to an NBA investigation into salary cap circumvention. The deal, agreed upon in June, may not be finalized until the investigation concludes, potentially extending into 2027. The Raptors view the acquisition as a win-now strategy. The Dallas Mavericks, who signed Klay Thompson before the 2024-25 season, are also exploring roster moves.

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What changed

The NBA investigation into Kawhi Leonard's salary cap circumvention may be wrapped up within the next six weeks, according to a recent report.

Live updates

  1. Kawhi Leonard Trade to Raptors Delayed by NBA Investigation

    The Kawhi Leonard trade between the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors is on hold due to an NBA investigation into salary cap circumvention. The deal, agreed upon in June, may not be finalized until the investigation concludes, potentially extending into 2027. The Raptors view the acquisition as a win-now strategy. The Dallas Mavericks, who signed Klay Thompson before the 2024-25 season, are also exploring roster moves.

    Why it matters

    The NBA's investigation into Kawhi Leonard's salary cap circumvention is delaying his trade to the Toronto Raptors. This situation affects not only the teams involved but also the league's salary cap system. The Raptors are seeking to bolster their roster for a competitive push. Klay Thompson's potential move to the Los Angeles Lakers or Clippers adds to the Western Conference's shifting landscape.

    What is confirmed

    • Kawhi Leonard's trade to the Toronto Raptors is delayed due to an NBA investigation into salary cap circumvention.
    • The investigation could potentially extend into 2027.
    • Klay Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks before the 2024-25 NBA campaign.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Klay Thompson would welcome a move to the Los Angeles Lakers or Clippers.
    • The Chicago Bulls could present the Los Angeles Clippers with a strong Bennedict Mathurin sign-and-trade offer.
    • The Dallas Mavericks have put together a productive offseason.

    What to watch next

    • The conclusion of the NBA investigation into Kawhi Leonard's salary cap circumvention
    • Klay Thompson's potential move to the Los Angeles Lakers or Clippers
    • The finalization of the Kawhi Leonard trade to the Toronto Raptors
    Sources used for this update (8)
    1. sports.yahoo.com — Lakers Rumors: Klay Thompson ‘Would Welcome’ Los Angeles Move Amid Miami Heat Rumors
    2. sports.yahoo.com — 4x NBA Champion Would Welcome a Move to the Lakers or Clippers
    3. www.foxsports.com — JONATHAN KUMINGA NEWS
    4. www.cbssports.com — Kawhi Leonard investigation lingering questions: How bad can things get for Steve Ballmer and the Clippers?
    5. sports.yahoo.com — NBA rumors: Why Bulls’ potential Bennedict Mathurin sign-and-trade offer stands out
    6. sports.yahoo.com — Mavericks Trade Pitch Lands 11x All-Star for Kyrie Irving in 4-Team Deal
    7. eu.usatoday.com — Kawhi Leonard investigation could be wrapped up within the next six weeks?
    8. sports.yahoo.com — New Kawhi Leonard Cap-Circumvention Allegations Raise The Stakes For The NBA
    confidence 70%

  2. Kawhi Leonard Trade to Toronto Raptors Remains on Hold

    The Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors agreed to a trade for Kawhi Leonard in June, but the deal is not yet finalized. The transaction remains on hold as the NBA continues an investigation into Leonard's salary cap circumvention. This investigation is reportedly delaying the move and could potentially extend into 2027. Toronto views the acquisition of the 35-year-old two-time NBA Finals MVP as a win-now strategy to push the team toward a breakthrough in a competitive conference.

    Why it matters

    The NBA is scrutinizing Leonard's contract for potential cap violations. Legal arbitration regarding punishments associated with this probe may last several years.

    What is confirmed

    • The Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors agreed to a trade for Kawhi Leonard in June.
    • The trade for Kawhi Leonard is currently on hold pending an NBA investigation.
    • The NBA investigation into Leonard could continue into 2027.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The trade between the Clippers and Raptors may fall apart due to the ongoing investigation.
    • The Raptors are considering a 3-team proposal involving Donovan Mitchell.

    What to watch next

    • NBA announcement regarding the conclusion of the salary cap investigation
    • Official league confirmation of the Leonard trade finalization
    • Rulings from legal arbitration regarding Leonard's punishments
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. www.cbssports.com — As the Kawhi Leonard investigation drags on, it's time to wonder if his trade to the Raptors will fall apart
    2. eu.usatoday.com — NBA Intel: James Harden, Peyton Watson, Jonathan Kuminga, Benn Mathurin, more
    3. www.si.com — What’s Delaying NBA’s Kawhi Leonard Investigation? Timberwolves, Joe Smith Case May Have the Answer
    4. sports.yahoo.com — Raptors Gifted Donovan Mitchell-Kawhi Leonard Duo Major in 3-Team Proposal
    5. sports.yahoo.com — New Kawhi Leonard Expectation Brings Positive Thinking for Toronto Raptors
    confidence 90%

  3. Raptors and Clippers Plan to Finalize Kawhi Leonard Trade

    The Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers intend to complete a trade for Kawhi Leonard. This move comes as the NBA continues an investigation into Leonard's salary cap circumvention. Legal arbitration over punishments could last until 2027.

    What's confirmed:

    • The NBA is investigating Kawhi Leonard for salary cap circumvention with the LA Clippers.
    • The investigation into Leonard could extend into 2027 due to arbitration on punishments.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Kawhi Leonard is a secret investor in a professional soccer club based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
    • The Raptors and Clippers still plan to complete a trade for Kawhi Leonard.
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. NBA free agency: Analysis of the biggest moves
    2. New Kawhi Leonard ‘Secret’ Deal Adds More Fire To The NBA’s Investigation
    3. Kawhi Leonard, Aspiration saga could drag into 2027 due to arbitration on potential punishments
    4. Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis? Don't get your hopes up on trade to reunite LeBron James with former co-star
    5. Kawhi Leonard’s Raptors future revealed amid ongoing NBA investigation
    confidence 80%

  4. Mavericks and Raptors Explore Kawhi Leonard Trade With Clippers

    The Los Angeles Clippers have held discussions regarding a trade for Kawhi Leonard. Both the Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors have expressed interest in the star forward. Reports indicate the Mavericks are pursuing a deal involving multiple players.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers have discussed a trade for Kawhi Leonard.
    • The Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers have held talks for Kawhi Leonard.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Kawhi Leonard is only interested in extending his contract with former teams.
    • Mavericks president Masai Ujiri wants to reunite with Kawhi Leonard.
    Sources used for this update (15)
    1. The Raptors want to be "opportunistic" on the trade market ... and maybe even nostalgic
    2. NBA free agency 2026 live updates: Latest trades, news and rumors after LaMelo Ball, Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbusters
    3. Kawhi Leonard trade rumors: Raptors and Clippers have held 'real' talks for former Finals MVP, per report
    4. Mavericks, Clippers Have Explored Kawhi Leonard Trade
    5. Kawhi Leonard reportedly drawing interest from Mavericks, Raptors in trade discussions with Clippers
    6. Kawhi Leonard trade rumors: Raptors, Clippers have 'real' talks ...
    7. 2026 NBA buzz: Latest free agency and trade updates - ESPN
    8. Mavericks, Clippers Have Explored Kawhi Leonard Trade
    9. Clippers Have Discussed Kawhi Leonard Trade With Mavericks
    10. Mavericks Discussed Kawhi Leonard Trade With Clippers
    11. Mavericks In Discussions With Clippers For Kahwi Leonard Trade
    12. Kawhi Leonard Trade Rumors Explode as Mavericks, Clippers Discuss ...
    confidence 80%