Kawhi Leonard Would Sign Long-Term Only With Raptors in Clippers Trade

Q: Could an NBA investigation void Kawhi's contract, making him a free agent and derailing any trade?

Yes. If the NBA finds the Clippers improperly used Kawhi Leonard’s alleged $28 million Aspiration endorsement deal to circumvent the salary cap, the league has the power under the CBA to seek to void his contract. If that happened, Leonard would no longer be under contract with Los Angeles and would become a free agent, which would kill any trade built around his current deal. That said, contract voiding is viewed as a severe and uncommon outcome, not the most likely one. Other possible penalties include fines, loss of draft picks, and discipline for team officials. Commissioner Adam Silver has said the investigation is nearing completion, but any punishment would depend on the factual findings of the outside law firm handling the probe. There is also a process hurdle. If the league moves toward major discipline, the matter could be challenged through arbitration, and the National Basketball Players Association would be expected to strongly resist a contract-voiding penalty. That means even if the NBA pursued that route, it might not be immediate or uncontested. So the risk is real enough to affect trade planning, but it remains speculative until the investigation ends. For the Clippers and any interested team such as Toronto, the key issue is timing: if a trade is discussed before the NBA rules, the unresolved investigation could complicate negotiations; if the contract is ultimately voided, Leonard’s future would shift from trade market to free agency.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 29

Toronto is the only non-Los Angeles team Kawhi Leonard would commit to on a long-term extension if the Clippers trade him, sharply narrowing his viable market.
The report lands as Los Angeles is expected to explore Leonard deals this offseason after injuries and repeated playoff shortfalls derailed the title push tied to his 2019 arrival.
Leonard spent just 1 season in Toronto but delivered the franchise’s first NBA championship before leaving for Southern California in free agency.
A reunion could appeal to both sides: the Raptors are coming off an encouraging season with a younger core, and Leonard would bring proven postseason star power if healthy.