Raptors and Clippers moving to complete Kawhi Leonard trade, AP source says

The Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers have reached an agreement to finalize the trade that sends Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Monday. The deal remains unchanged from the arrangement made approximately 2.5 months ago: Leonard returns to the Raptors, while the Clippers receive Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round draft picks, two second-round picks and a pick swap.

This is a significant move for Toronto, which won the 2019 NBA championship with Leonard at the helm and is now set to contend in the Eastern Conference. However, the agreement was temporarily suspended in early July while the NBA investigated whether the Clippers violated salary cap rules concerning Leonard's compensation. The league subsequently imposed substantial penalties on the Clippers, including a one-year suspension for owner Steve Ballmer, a $30 million fine, and the forfeiture of five first-round draft picks.

Leonard, an NBA Finals MVP and two-time NBA champion, was penalized $700,000 but avoided suspension and had his contract preserved. Despite his successful season with the Clippers, scoring 27.9 points per game over 65 games, Leonard will likely sign an extension with the Raptors following the completion of the trade. The Raptors and Clippers are scheduled to face each other on November 2 and January 1, as well as in a preseason game on October 10 in Vancouver.