The NBA has allowed the Los Angeles Clippers - Toronto Raptors trade centered around Kawhi Leonard to go through after concluding its investigation into the player and his former team's alleged attempt to circumvent the salary cap.
The two-time Finals MVP's 2025-26 season was successful on a personal level. However, he was embroiled in a financial scandal after journalist Pablo Torre reported that Leonard and the Clippers had allegedly conspired on a deal that earned him around $28 million by making him an endorser for Aspiration, a fraudulent environmental company.
Leonard reportedly received a "no-show" endorsement deal.
The NBA launched an investigation into the scandal as the season progressed. Despite the investigation being ongoing, the Clippers decided to move forward with a trade involving Leonard and the Raptors.
Leonard had been vocal about his desire to return to the team he led to the 2019 NBA championship. He was confident that the trade would eventually go through.
It did, but he was not left unscathed. Leonard was not suspended, but he was handed a $700,000 fine.
The Clippers received a much harsher punishment. The team lost five future first-round draft picks and was ordered to pay $30 million. Owner Steve Ballmer was also handed a one-year suspension.
Jan 26, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) keeps the ball out of the reach of Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (9) in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Some believe the punishment was not enough. A former Clippers forward agrees. However, his take is different and is no longer related to the allegations exposed by journalist Pablo Torre.
Instead, it is now more personal.
Danilo Gallinari , who was out of the NBA by 2024, was among the players the Clippers moved in 2019 to make room for Leonard and another All-Star, Paul George . Gallinari was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder , along with future two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander .
The Italian forward believes his career went downhill from there, and he is now holding Leonard accountable following the revelations surrounding the financial scandal.
For that, Gallinari is demanding $50 million in compensation .
Apr 12, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) reaches for the ball through Milwaukee Bucks forward Danilo Gallinari (12) arms during the fourth quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Gallinari was in his second season with the Clippers when the trade went down. He became a journeyman after that.
He spent half a season with the Thunder, then one season with the Atlanta Hawks . He then played for three teams in the 2023-24 season. He last played for the Milwaukee Bucks .
