Will the Kawhi Leonard investigation impact potential Clippers trade?

[ASFN Admin]

One of the biggest NBA rumors is that the Los Angeles Clippers could potentially trade Kawhi Leonard, but could this transaction get complicated?

Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, has played for the Clippers since 2019. He is entering the final year of his current deal with the franchise, however, which means he could become a free agent at the end of the upcoming season.

Rather than Leonard potentially leaving Los Angeles for no value should he choose to walk, the Clippers front office could consider receiving value back in return for the seven-time NBA All-Star. One rumored destination is the Toronto Raptors, and the two teams are seriously engaged in trade talks, because he would reportedly sign a long-term extension there.

Some are wondering if his trade value get impacted by the NBA's ongoing investigation into Leonard following an alleged cap circumvention scandal. Perhaps the Clippers, or even Leonard, eventually get punished following the probe. Here is more Marc Stein and Jake Fischer (via The Stein Line):

"We have yet to hear any suggestion that a potential Leonard trade would be held up by the league office because the NBA-commissioned external investigation into allegations of salary cap circumvention by the Clippers with respect to Leonard and the franchise's partnership with its former sponsor Aspiration is not yet complete."

Clippers executive Lawrence Frank also commented on the investigation and whether or not it will impact their decision-making (via USA TODAY):

“The investigation has had no impact on how we go about our business. We just continue to go about our business as normal.”

In plain English, per reporting and from Frank, there is no indication that a trade would get "held up" by the league office due to the investigation.

Earlier this month, NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated that the league is close to a point where they need to wrap up the investigation.

While the Clippers are reportedly maintaining their innocent, they also reportedly remain unsure if a punishment is coming (via ESPN):

"Privately, some Clippers officials have grown frustrated trying to prove innocence for a violation that they say they didn't commit, according to several sources with knowledge of their thinking. Despite their certainty that they did nothing wrong, team officials seem less certain about the outcome of the high-profile investigation or whether the league's richest owner will face punishment, the sources said."

Based on all reporting, it does not seem at this moment that the league would intervene with a trade should the Clippers agree to terms with the Raptors or another franchise.

But that is subject to change, of course, as more details emerge in the coming days and weeks.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Will the Kawhi Leonard investigation impact potential Clippers trade?

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