NBA Notes: Clippers, Kawhi Leonard, Celtics, Joe Mazzulla, Expansion

Clippers

The Clippers’ trade sending Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors still appears headed toward the finish line. It’s just taking a little longer than expected.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Los Angeles spent several weeks exploring Leonard’s market before reaching an agreement with Toronto. Fischer added that the Clippers believed the NBA’s ongoing Aspiration investigation wouldn’t affect a potential trade.

That changed this week. Fischer reported the league informed the Raptors during the trade approval process that Toronto would assume any future penalties tied to Leonard stemming from the investigation, separate from any discipline the Clippers could face.

That prompted the Raptors to delay officially completing the deal, though both teams reportedly remain confident it will eventually be finalized.

Celtics

Joe Mazzulla admitted he’s still trying to process the Celtics’ blockbuster decision to trade Jaylen Brown to the rival 76ers.

Speaking after Summer League practice, Mazzulla praised Brown’s decade-long run in Boston, telling reporters he hopes the focus remains on everything Brown accomplished with the franchise rather than the trade itself, per Jay King of The Athletic.

Brown, meanwhile, had a much different reaction.

Appearing on streamer IShowSpeed’s broadcast, the former Celtics star joked that he “got packed up” before adding, “It’s a crazy business. … There’s no loyalty. There’s no love.”

Mazzulla also said the trade means Boston must establish a new identity around Jayson Tatum, Paul George and the club’s reshaped roster after six trips to the Eastern Conference finals and the 2024 NBA championship.

Expansion

A group led by former Suns owner and longtime NBA executive Jerry Colangelo has officially announced plans to pursue a franchise in Las Vegas, as relayed by Alex Schiffer of Front Office Sports.

The ownership group, known as the Las Vegas Jacks, also includes Horizon Sports & Experiences CEO David Levy, along with former NBA guards Jay Williams and Vinny Del Negro.

Schiffer added that another ownership group, led by Seattle Kraken governor Samantha Holloway, remains focused on bringing a team back to Seattle.

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