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NBA insider reveals timeline for Kawhi Leonard-Raptors trade after Clippers punishment
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- NBA insider reveals timeline for Kawhi Leonard-Raptors trade after Clippers punishment
NBA insider reveals timeline for Kawhi Leonard-Raptors trade after Clippers punishment originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Los Angeles Clippers were attempting to turn back the clock on their roster by adding younger players after having one of the oldest teams in the NBA last season. However, those efforts were put on hold, to say the least.
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At the end of June, the Clippers made the decision to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and significant draft compensation.
"The LA Clippers have agreed to trade All-NBA forward Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap and two second-round picks, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. The deal marks a return to Canada for the star who led the Raptors to an NBA title in 2019," ESPN's Shams Charania wrote.
However, the entire deal was put on hold after it was revealed that the organization had allegedly provided Leonard with additional benefits. The situation was settled Wednesday, and the trade now appears likely to move forward.
"The full expectation around the Raptors and around Kawhi Leonard and the league is that this trade will be going through in the next few days," Charania said.
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Obviously, the Clippers will be looking forward to receiving the draft capital from Toronto. The expected trade package remains the same as the one originally agreed upon in June.
"The Raptors are still sending draft capital to the Clippers alongside Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick in their trade for Kawhi Leonard, per Shams Charania. Full trade haul for Los Angeles, who now must covet these picks: 2027 swap. 2031 + 2033 unprotected 1sts. 2030 + 2033 2nds," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
The entire situation was a case of unfortunate timing for Toronto. Just when the Raptors thought they had brought Leonard back, questions surrounding the circumstances of the trade created uncertainty about whether the deal would actually happen.
With the situation appearing to be settled, Leonard can now focus on returning to Toronto and making a positive impact with the organization once again. The Clippers, meanwhile, will have to move forward after the controversy surrounding the deal, while Leonard can finally put the offseason drama behind him.
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