Clippers and Raptors reach agreement for Kawhi Leonard's return to Toronto

[p]The two teams, reportedly close to sealing the deal according to the media, had announced this blockbuster trade at the end of June, but it was put on hold due to an NBA investigation into the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/los-angeles-clippers/vPeTYlqm/"]Clippers[/a] circumventing salary cap rules to pay their star [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/leonard-kawhi/d4zqZuLO/"]Kawhi Leonard[/a].[/p][p]The North American basketball league ultimately sanctioned the California franchise in early September, handing down a hefty $30 million fine and stripping them of their first five draft picks between 2029 and 2033.[/p][p]The franchise's owner, Steve Ballmer, said Sunday that he would comply with the sanctions, confirming that the fine had already been paid. These penalties did not include a transfer ban, thus allowing Leonard's return to the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/toronto-raptors/CxtbCMdU/"]Raptors[/a], whom he led to the championship in 2019.[/p][embed guid="6fa954da-1eca-4357-a72a-f7114ff95801" url="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2099570166963019862?s=20" social-type="twitter" /][p]The Clippers were penalized for allowing arrangements between four of their business partners that benefited the player and his entourage by several million dollars. The NBA's collective bargaining agreement prohibits franchises from connecting team sponsors with players, as this amounts to offering additional compensation in a roundabout way.[/p][p]Kawhi Leonard, a threat on both defense and offense, first joined the Raptors in 2018 from the San Antonio Spurs, with whom he won a championship in 2014. The seven-time All-Star forward then delivered Toronto its title before heading to California, where he has struggled with injuries.[/p]