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This offseason, the Los Angeles Clippers made a massive move and traded away star player and All-NBA Second Team forward Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Gradey Dick, Brandon Ingram, and multiple draft picks.
The move comes after a season in which the Clippers made the play-in tournament after a rough start to their season. Leonard's injury held the team back in the early parts of the season, but once he came back, the Clippers rallied and became one of the hottest teams in the NBA to end the season.
He was clearly the best player on the roster, but the franchise is moving in a different direction. Since Kawhi is coming off a good season, the Clippers decided to move off the former Finals MVP while he still has value.
Courtesy of Jayne Kamin-Oncea
The one thing in both teams way to complete this trade is an ongoing investigation on the Clippers franchise and Kawhi Leonard. Los Angeles is under investigation for salary circumvention and giving Leonard money under the table with lucrative endorsement deals.
The investigation began in September 2025, and while there is no real timetable for the end of this saga, NBA insider Jake Fischer reports it will end relatively soon. He believes this will end soon enough to let Kawhi join the team sooner rather than later.
"And Leonard, sources say, strongly believes that the trade will ultimately go through, enabling him to rejoin the Raptors in time for training camp," Fischer reported.
"There is a belief in some corners of the league that the investigation is closer to completion than advertised and that — at some point over the next six weeks — there will be a resolution involving some level of sanctions from the NBA against the Clippers but, ultimately, clearance for LA and Toronto to complete the Leonard trade.”
Courtesy of Jayne Kamin-Oncea
Kawhi is at risk of a big suspension, fine or his contract being voided, but as of now there is no set punishment for him once this has concluded.
The Los Angeles Clippers are a team who has gotten much younger since the start of 2025-2026. They were the oldest team in the NBA to start last season, and with some midseason moves, they got younger and prepared themselves to lose Kawhi.
Los Angeles drafted Keaton Wagler with the fifth overall pick in this year's draft. The pick was acquired from the Indiana Pacers in a deal that sent Ivica Zubac there. They also got Bennedict Mathurin in the deal, and he proved to be a productive player at times for the Clippers.
Courtesy of Bob Donnan
This Clippers continued got younger, but there are veterans on this team that give them some upside. Darius Garland is a point guard who has experience playing in the postseason and being a full time starter with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Another veteran player that gives the Clippers a chance to compete is Rui Hachimura, who was a key piece on the Lakers last season. He had a good year shooting from three-point range and he can also play big inside if needed.
If both Hachimura and Garland can coexist with Brandon Ingram, they could be a surprise team in the Western Conference.
Continue reading...
The move comes after a season in which the Clippers made the play-in tournament after a rough start to their season. Leonard's injury held the team back in the early parts of the season, but once he came back, the Clippers rallied and became one of the hottest teams in the NBA to end the season.
He was clearly the best player on the roster, but the franchise is moving in a different direction. Since Kawhi is coming off a good season, the Clippers decided to move off the former Finals MVP while he still has value.
You must be registered for see images attach
Courtesy of Jayne Kamin-Oncea
The one thing in both teams way to complete this trade is an ongoing investigation on the Clippers franchise and Kawhi Leonard. Los Angeles is under investigation for salary circumvention and giving Leonard money under the table with lucrative endorsement deals.
The investigation began in September 2025, and while there is no real timetable for the end of this saga, NBA insider Jake Fischer reports it will end relatively soon. He believes this will end soon enough to let Kawhi join the team sooner rather than later.
"And Leonard, sources say, strongly believes that the trade will ultimately go through, enabling him to rejoin the Raptors in time for training camp," Fischer reported.
"There is a belief in some corners of the league that the investigation is closer to completion than advertised and that — at some point over the next six weeks — there will be a resolution involving some level of sanctions from the NBA against the Clippers but, ultimately, clearance for LA and Toronto to complete the Leonard trade.”
You must be registered for see images attach
Courtesy of Jayne Kamin-Oncea
Kawhi is at risk of a big suspension, fine or his contract being voided, but as of now there is no set punishment for him once this has concluded.
How Does this Help the Clippers?
The Los Angeles Clippers are a team who has gotten much younger since the start of 2025-2026. They were the oldest team in the NBA to start last season, and with some midseason moves, they got younger and prepared themselves to lose Kawhi.
Los Angeles drafted Keaton Wagler with the fifth overall pick in this year's draft. The pick was acquired from the Indiana Pacers in a deal that sent Ivica Zubac there. They also got Bennedict Mathurin in the deal, and he proved to be a productive player at times for the Clippers.
You must be registered for see images attach
Courtesy of Bob Donnan
This Clippers continued got younger, but there are veterans on this team that give them some upside. Darius Garland is a point guard who has experience playing in the postseason and being a full time starter with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Another veteran player that gives the Clippers a chance to compete is Rui Hachimura, who was a key piece on the Lakers last season. He had a good year shooting from three-point range and he can also play big inside if needed.
If both Hachimura and Garland can coexist with Brandon Ingram, they could be a surprise team in the Western Conference.
Continue reading...
