NBA Execs Question 5 Teams' Moves as Kawhi Leonard Probe Delays Trade
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 20
NBA Execs Question 5 Teams' Moves as Kawhi Leonard Probe Delays Trade
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 20
Summary
League executives at Las Vegas Summer League said confusion this July centered on five teams, with the Clippers-Raptors Kawhi Leonard saga drawing the most frustration because an unresolved cap-circumvention probe is still holding up a trade.
Adam Silver said he hopes the Wachtell investigation ends this summer, but any finding would still face arbitration and possible appeals, leaving open the risk that Leonard remains a Clipper when camps open in October.
Milwaukee drew fresh scrutiny after agreeing to pay Gary Trent Jr. 4 years and $64 million following a poor season, a deal the league is now investigating as a possible circumvention case.
New Orleans also puzzled rivals by bringing back 14 of 15 players from a 26-56 team and still lacking a starting-caliber center, while the Lakers raised eyebrows with multiple fully guaranteed deals and a Deandre Ayton trade that created only $2.1 million in room.
Portland's standoff with the city over Moda Center renovations added to the offseason unease, fueling questions about owner Tom Dundon's long-term plans even as plausible relocation options appear limited.