Overview
- A report Wednesday said the independent Wachtell Lipton probe could stretch into 2027 if the NBA, the Clippers or the NBPA refuse to accept the findings or a settlement.
- The proposed trade sending Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors was placed on hold after Toronto was told it would assume any risk from potential penalties tied to Leonard’s contract.
- Investigators began with a reported $28 million Aspiration endorsement for Leonard and have expanded the review to include a second endorsement and certain team expenses.
- The Clippers and Leonard deny wrongdoing and the NBPA’s director, David Kelly, has publicly said he has not seen evidence that would justify punishment.
- If the league seeks penalties and the parties contest them, a neutral arbitrator and a three‑person appeals panel could hear the case, a process that would delay a final outcome and leave both franchises’ offseason plans uncertain.