Raptors paused Kawhi Leonard trade when asked to assume risk of any penalties from Clippers contract investigation

The Toronto Raptors paused a trade to acquire Kawhi Leonard after being asked to formally assume any risk of penalties stemming from an investigation into Leonard's Los Angeles Clippers contract. The deal stalled on July 16, 2026, when the Raptors declined to commit in writing to accepting liability for potential sanctions related to the ongoing contract investigation. Multiple NBA sources confirmed the specific contractual condition was the tipping point that put the transaction on hold.