The Toronto Raptors held off on the Kawhi Leonard trade, and rightfully so, amid the NBA continuing to investigate allegations of salary cap circumvention. They can breathe a little easier after the latest report from ESPN. The confidence to complete the trade should be just about there.
Per ESPN: "The NBA has found no evidence showing LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funneled money through team sponsors to pay Kawhi Leonard in order to circumvent the salary cap, according to three people with knowledge of discussions between the two sides in recent days."
There was an added tidbit that should be of great interest for the Raptors. It was also reported that discussions of potential consequences have centered around Leonard 'paying restitution for improper benefits' to the Clippers for good old Uncle Dennis.
The long and short is there was nothing in there that would be of major concern about the Raptors turning into fools for accepting the trade with the Clippers. It was once again reiterated by ESPN that both Toronto and Kawhi expect the deal completed. We are closer to that reality than ever before after this comforting newsbreak involving the drawn-out Leonard saga.
Lack of serious Kawhi Leonard penalties makes the Raptors trade a no-brainer
It is worth noting that NBA Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass did put out a statement regarding the ESPN report. Bass claimed there were inaccuracies throughout. They were even described as 'numerous' and 'significant.'
In the Raptors' case, all they should really care about is the Leonard penalties. If ESPN is right about the matter, there is nothing that would significantly prevent Kawhi from suiting up with Toronto next season. Should that be true, they can finalize the deal.
The Raptors will still want to sit tight for a little while longer. Training camp is still a bit away. They can afford to wait on the official rulings to receive added reassurance, assuming they come before that date.
Throughout this entire time, Leonard and his camp have continued to posture as if things are business as usual, and the trade will be done. That is a good thing. The alternate timeline in which it does not get pushed through is a scary one to think about for Toronto.
Getting Kawhi back in a Raptors uniform is crucial for next season to truly matter in Toronto. Hopefully for them, the relevant parts of this ESPN report remain true, and Leonard can be getting shots up with the team once training camp is underway.
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