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Clippers, Raptors Complete Kawhi Leonard Trade

ESPN NBA •
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The Clippers and Raptors have agreed to complete the blockbuster trade sending Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. The teams initially agreed on June 30, but the deal was paused amid the NBA's investigation of the Clippers for salary cap circumvention. Leonard waived his $7.45 million trade kicker to facilitate the move, which would've pushed Toronto above the first apron. After completion, Toronto will be $2.3 million below the first apron with 13 guaranteed contracts, per ESPN's Bobby Marks.

The NBA announced severe punishments for the Clippers: loss of five future first-round picks, a $30 million fine, and a yearlong suspension for owner Steve Ballmer for violating salary cap circumvention rules in the Leonard case. The penalties followed a nearly yearlong investigation that found a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations by the Clippers, a prior offender.

Los Angeles will receive Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap, and two second-rounders. Leonard led the Raptors to their first NBA championship in 2019 before leaving for the Clippers. Toronto visits the Clippers on Nov. 2 and hosts them on Jan. 1. They also meet in a preseason game in Vancouver on Oct. 10.