The NBA approved a trade sending Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers back to the Toronto Raptors, finalizing a deal paused for months while the league investigated alleged salary-cap circumvention. Toronto received Leonard in exchange for All-Star forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, unprotected 2031 and 2033 first-round picks, a 2027 first-round pick swap and two second-round picks. The league completed its probe on Sept. 2, fining Leonard US$700,000 but not suspending him or voiding his contract; the Clippers were stripped of five first-round picks (2029, 2033), fined US$30 million and saw owner Steve Ballmer and president of business operations Gillian Zucker suspended one year while president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank received a six-month suspension. Raptors general manager Bobby Webster called Leonard’s impact on the franchise “undeniable” and said the team expects his leadership to help pursue another championship. Leonard, 35, averaged 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists last season and is a two-time NBA champion and seven-time All-Star. Leonard is expected to speak with reporters on Sept. 28 at Toronto’s media day.
