Raptors
The Kawhi Leonard blockbuster isn’t official just yet.
The Clippers and Raptors announced Thursday that their agreed-upon trade remains on hold while the NBA completes its investigation into allegations involving Leonard’s endorsement deal with the now-bankrupt financial company Aspiration.
According to the Clippers, the league informed Toronto that it would assume any potential risk tied to Leonard’s contract before the trade could be finalized. Rather than do that, the Raptors are simply waiting for the investigation to wrap up.
The NBA said there is still no official timeline, though a league spokesman told reporters the probe is expected to conclude “in the coming weeks.”
The Clippers have continued to deny any wrongdoing, insisting they never used Aspiration to circumvent the salary cap and calling themselves victims of fraud by the company’s co-founder, Joe Sanberg, who has since been sentenced to federal prison.
The trade, once finalized, will send Leonard back to Toronto, with Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and draft assets headed to Los Angeles.
Celtics
The Celtics waived guard Dalano Banton, whose $2.8 million salary for next season was non-guaranteed.
Banton, 26, appeared briefly with Boston late last season after spending much of the year in the G League, where he averaged 24.9 points and 7.0 assists for the Texas Legends. He’ll become an unrestricted free agent if he clears waivers.
Heat
Forward Nikola Jovic admitted he expected to be traded this offseason but is glad things worked out differently.
“I was happy that I stayed,” Jovic told the Miami Herald. “I thought I was probably not going to be here.”
Jovic said he’s especially looking forward to playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, adding he’ll have a chance to learn from “one of the greatest power forwards ever.”
The 23-year-old is hoping to bounce back after averaging 7.3 points while shooting just 36.6 percent from the field last season. He also acknowledged that signing a long-term extension may have contributed to a disappointing year, but said strong performances with the Serbian national team have helped restore his confidence.
MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position
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