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Kawhi Leonard news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Kawhi Leonard's trade to Toronto is on hold amid NBA investigation. SEC now probing his Daktronics deal, complicating his return.
Background
The NBA is investigating the LA Clippers for salary-cap circumvention involving endorsement deals with Kawhi Leonard. The investigation, which began in September 2025, has expanded to include a deal with Daktronics, and the SEC has also requested information. The Toronto Raptors agreed to trade for Leonard in June, but the deal was put on hold in July due to the investigation.
How it unfolded
- Sep 2025NBA investigation into Clippers and Kawhi Leonard's endorsement deals begins.
- Jun 30, 2026Clippers agree to trade Leonard to Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and multiple draft picks.
- Jul 9, 2026Raptors say league informed them they assume risk of investigation outcome; trade put on hold.
- Aug 30, 2026Stephen Jackson claims on All the Smoke that Leonard already has a house in Toronto.
- Aug 31, 2026ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reports Clippers are comfortable taking Leonard back if Raptors back out.
- Sep 2, 2026SEC and NBA reach out to Daktronics for information regarding Leonard and Clippers.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- ESPN's Ramona Shelburne says the Clippers are fine with Kawhi being back if Toronto doesn't want to proceed.
- Public
- Stephen Jackson says Leonard already has a house in Toronto, indicating he expects the trade to go through.
Still unverified
Stephen Jackson's claim that Leonard has bought a house in Toronto is unconfirmed.