Kawhi Leonard trade to Raptors official. Here’s how NBA sanction impacts Clippers return

The holding pattern is finally at an end. Kawhi Leonard is officially a member of the Toronto Raptors once again, and the Los Angeles Clippers can now start their stint in NBA purgatory.

Earlier this summer, the two teams agreed to terms on a trade that sent Leonard to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, two second-round picks (2030, 2033) and a 2027 first-round swap to Los Angeles. That deal was put on pause to await the conclusion of the NBA's almost year-long investigation into the Clippers and Leonard.

The league investigation reached its conclusion Sept. 2, ruling that the Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer violated the league's collective bargaining agreement by facilitating side deals between Leonard and four companies in an effort to circumvent the salary cap. Severe punishments were handed out, but Leonard emerged relatively unscathed with a $700,000 fine. That cleared the way for the Raptors and what remains of LA's front office to move forward with the trade, which has now gone through according to ESPN.

Here's exactly what the Clippers are getting in return for Leonard, and how the NBA's sanctions factor in:

Ingram is…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/