Kawhi Leonard is officially a Raptor.
The Clippers traded Leonard to Toronto in June, but the deal was put on hold amid the NBA’s investigation into the LA organization violating salary cap circumvention rules.
The league found wrongdoing and the Clippers’ punishment includes losing five first-round picks and a $30 million fine.
Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers in action during a game against the Sacramento Kings. Getty Images
The trade became official following the NBA’s penalties for the Clippers. Leonard reportedly surrendered more than $7 million in order to “facilitate the trade.”
Leonard waived his 15 percent trade kicker in the deal, which was worth $7.45 million. The bonus was reportedly not allowed because it would have put the Raptors above the first apron hard cap.
The 35-year-old has been at the center of the NBA’s biggest scandal this summer. But Leonard, who was fined $700,000 after the NBA’s findings in the Clippers investigation, has managed to cut ties with LA and rejoin the organization he won an NBA championship with.
Meanwhile, the Clippers are left floundering from the investigation with a potential federal criminal probe in their near future.
Owner Steve Ballmer initially spoke out against the league’s findings and stated that he would fight for the truth. However, Adam Silver discussed Ballmer’s change of heart on Tuesday at the NBA Board of Governors meetings.
LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard reacts on the court during the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Knicks. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer congratulates Kawhi Leonard at Intuit Dome. Getty Images
“Putting aside the precise words he chose to use, most importantly he indicated a willingness to accept the league’s decision in this case and the accompanying sanctions,” Silver said.
“There are other inquiries that have nothing to do with the NBA that the Clippers and Steve Ballmer are now dealing with.”
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