A few weeks ago, it seemed like a done deal; Kawhi Leonard was heading to the Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, and two-second round picks. But things took a turn when the deal didn’t go through, and it was announced that the Raptors and Clippers were waiting until the conclusion of the NBA’s investigations into the Clippers, Leonard, and potential salary cap circumvention.
Well, now, we’ve heard that the investigation may play out into 2027, leaving both teams and all the players involved in quite a bind. The Raptors don’t want to go forward with a deal knowing that huge penalties may be levied against the player and Kawhi could be suspended or possibly even see his contract voided.
Clippers and Raptors may have to scrap Leonard trade altogether
And with no end in sight, the Raptors may be forced to move in a different direction as Ingram and Dick are entering the final year of their deals and remain on the team. Toronto can’t be held hostage by this potential transaction and may have to start facing a reality where those two must awkwardly return to the team, or they have to start looking for other deals.Â
Meanwhile, the Clippers are equally held up as they can’t really proceed with any other business without knowing how this will play out, and may even be forced to keep Leonard on their roster unless the Raptors have a change of heart or some other team is content to take on the risk.
It’s disastrous news for both teams, as the Clippers were receiving a great package of draft picks for their oft-injured 35-year-old star and were ready to get started on a full rebuild, and the Raptors thought they had built a contender around Leonard, which now may be back to the drawing board with a disgruntled Ingram in his place.
Celtics benefit from both Clippers' and Raptors' misfortunes
But for the Celtics? This is all great news, as they have some interest in the situation as it pertains to both teams.Â
On the Raptors' side, this potentially eliminates a major competitor in the East. That Toronto team was on the rise, and adding Kawhi would have made them downright dangerous on both ends of the floor and a potential favorite in the conference. But without Leonard, they will likely struggle to finish in the top six.
And on the Clippers’ side of things, the Celtics are now highly invested in their success as they are the likely owners of their first-round pick in 2028. That’s still a long way away, but this deal would have allowed them to start rebuilding now and would have given them a pathway to lots of cap space and assets to rebuild quickly.
Now, that goal seems a lot more challenging as they may not be getting picks for Kawhi after all and may be stuck with their current roster and asset collection - neither of which is particularly inspiring. The longer they sit in purgatory, the longer it will take them to build the team back up, and the better news that is for the Celtics, who are hoping to receive a premium pick in the 2028 draft.
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