The NBA is waiting for the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers to officially submit the Kawhi Leonard trade for league approval. NBA spokesperson Tim Frank said Thursday the timing is up to the teams, moving the deal closer to completion after a lengthy investigation. The Raptors are coming off a 114-102 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 3, 2026, and hold a recent form of three wins and two losses in their last five outings.
What is the status of the Kawhi Leonard trade?
The proposed trade, which would send Leonard back to Toronto for Brandon Ingram, was paused back in July. The league was investigating salary-cap circumvention allegations involving Leonard and the Clippers. On Wednesday, the NBA announced it would not suspend Leonard or void his contract. This decision appears to clear the main obstacle for the all-star forward's return to the city where he won the 2019 NBA championship.
Instead of punishing Leonard directly, the league imposed heavy penalties on the Clippers organization. The team was stripped of five future first-round draft picks and fined a massive $30 million for multiple violations. Kawhi Leonard himself received a personal fine of $700,000. These sanctions ended the probe, putting the focus back on the teams to finalize the paperwork.
Why does this matter for the Toronto Raptors?
Acquiring Kawhi Leonard would be a seismic shift for the Raptors' roster and their playoff aspirations. Leonard is a two-time NBA Finals MVP known for his elite two-way play, scoring, and defensive prowess. His potential return brings championship experience and a proven closer to a team that posted a 3W-2L record in its most recent stretch. Adding a player of his caliber changes the entire outlook for the season.
Pairing Leonard with the existing core could immediately raise Toronto into the Eastern Conference contender conversation. The team's performance, including that 114-102 result against Cleveland, shows there's room for a major boost. Fans can track how the new lineup develops by checking the team's [squad](/squad) page once the trade is official. This move is about winning now and making a serious run.
What comes next for the Raptors and the NBA?
Now, the ball is in the courts of the Raptors and Clippers front offices. They must compile and submit the final trade agreement to the NBA league office for the standard approval process. Once submitted, approval is typically a formality, especially since the investigation has concluded. The timing suggests the deal could be finalized very soon, potentially before the next preseason games.
For the Raptors, completing this trade would dominate the offseason narrative and set the tone for training camp. It would also create fascinating roster decisions regarding minutes and roles. The team's upcoming [fixtures](/fixtures) will take on new significance with Leonard potentially in the fold. All eyes are now on the general managers to send in the paperwork and make this long-rumored move a reality.
