Kawhi Leonard trade to Raptors expected to be completed ‘in coming days’

The Kawhi Leonard trade may finally be approaching the finish line.

A source close to Leonard expects the Clippers and Raptors to complete the long-delayed deal “in the coming days,” according to Sam Amick and Matt Schubert of The Athletic.

That runs counter to what Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported earlier Monday. Fischer cautioned that Steve Ballmer’s decision to accept the NBA’s penalties should not be interpreted as a sign that the trade is imminent, adding that the Clippers still weren’t ready to conduct major business.

So, yes, we now have competing reports about a trade agreed to nearly three months ago.

They may reflect the views from different sides. Leonard’s camp expects movement soon, while the Clippers reportedly were not prepared to resume talks as of Sunday night. Both can technically be true, although not indefinitely.

Toronto originally paused the transaction July 9 while waiting to learn whether the NBA would suspend Leonard or void his contract as part of its salary-cap investigation. Neither happened. Leonard was ordered to pay $700,000, but his eligibility and contract remained intact.

Under the agreed-upon terms, Toronto would receive Leonard. Los Angeles would get Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, a first-round swap and two second-rounders.

That draft capital became even more important after the NBA stripped the Clippers of five first-round picks.

The league reportedly is prepared to process the trade whenever both teams submit it. Ballmer has now abandoned his threatened legal challenge and accepted the penalties, removing at least one potential obstacle. So, perhaps the end really is near. 

Welcome to the Kawhi Leonard saga, where even “imminent” is being load-managed.