Kawhi Leonard Investigation Expected to End Before Training Camp

The NBA's inquiry into the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard allegedly leveraging a fraudulent endorsement agreement with Aspiration to skirt the NBA's salary cap is anticipated to conclude within the next six weeks, according to reports. The Clippers had previously agreed to trade Leonard to the Toronto Raptors in June; however, that deal remains suspended pending the results of the NBA's investigation.

The Raptors hesitated to assume any potential penalties associated with Leonard's involvement. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the investigation is likely to be finalized within the six-week timeframe, and Leonard is expected to join the Raptors.

There is speculation within the league that the investigation is progressing faster than initially suggested, with the possibility of a resolution involving some form of sanctions from the NBA against the Clippers, while still allowing LA and Toronto to finalize the Leonard trade. Stein wrote, "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."

The NBA season kicks off in late September, and the investigation is expected to be completed before then. Regardless of the outcome, Leonard is not projected to face an NBA suspension. The league's collective bargaining agreement does not list suspension as a possible penalty for circumventing the salary cap. Potential penalties, as reported by SportsNet's Michael Grange, include team fines, forfeited draft picks, voided player contracts, and a suspension of up to a year for any team personnel involved in such violations.

However, the player may be required to "disgorge" any benefits they received from a third party in a cap circumvention scheme. Grange reported, "The most likely outcome of the investigation will likely be a negotiated settlement."