Kawhi Leonard Gives Hopeful 3-Word Answer on Raptors Trade After NBA’s Explosive Clippers Investigation

Kawhi Leonard has not been traded to the Toronto Raptors yet. Although the Los Angeles Clippers traded Leonard to the Raptors in June, the NBA’s investigation has halted the deal. Allegations of salary cap circumvention involving covert off-the-books endorsement deals and improper benefits prompted the league to look into the Clippers and the star player.

The investigation has ended, and there is hope the deal will soon push through. According to reports, the deal has not happened because the Raptors are waiting on the Clippers. After the NBA imposed harsh penalties, LA is reorganizing its front office.

On Tuesday, a fan came across Leonard in public and asked if he would return to the Raptors. The two-time Finals MVP kept his response short and said this:

Mar 25, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball against Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12) during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The fan also told Kawhi Leonard that the Raptors need him.
“We gonna win,” the NBA star replied.
The league did not spare Leonard from punishment. They handed the seven-time All-Star a $700,000 fine. In contrast, the Clippers received the harshest penalty. The franchise received a $30 million fine, and five consecutive draft picks were forfeited to the NBA.
Team owner Steve Ballmer was given a one-year suspension. Ballmer is also not allowed to participate in team and league activities. The Clippers’ president of business operations, Gillian Zucker, is suspended for one year without pay. Finally, Lawrence Frank, the president of basketball operations, was given a six-month suspension without pay.
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When Will Kawhi Leonard Be Traded to the Raptors?
Many believe that the Kawhi Leonard deal will eventually happen. However, the biggest question is when it will happen. According to reports, it will depend on when the Clippers finalize the restructuring of their front office. The ball is in LA’s hands, and the Raptors are patiently waiting for it to materialize.
On Tuesday, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Leonard is with Toronto’s players’ minicamp in Miami.
“Kawhi Leonard, sources say, is in Miami among an organized minicamp of Raptors players. Toronto is waiting for Los Angeles to move forward with the agreed-upon trade that Leonard and the Raptors expect to be completed,” Fischer reported.
After the investigation concluded last week, ESPN’s Shams Charania also said the deal will eventually happen.
“The trade is on track and both sides can now move forward with getting this deal done.”
The Raptors’ training camp will start later this month. Reports say the franchise wants to have him on the roster before it happens.
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