Shams: Kawhi to Raptors

[keevsnick]

LAC have done a good job rebuilding their pick stocks. Ended up getting #5 and a 2029 unprotected pick from IND for Zubac. Now goy unprotected picks in 2031 and 2033 for Kawhi.

There's a chance they could still turn around and rehab Garland and flip him for value, maybe even Ingram as well.

They still don't control their own pick in 2027-2029, but at least they have some assets now.

[Who]

I am buying Toronto as a title contender. Perk is right.

That was an impressive defensive team. They just struggled to get a bucket when they needed to. Kevin O'Connor is saying they now got their bucket getter and Kawhi will do that without harming their defensive identity. He is correct.

Perk and KOC on the money. TOR is a title contender.

-----------------

I have TOR above CLE.

So we still have NYK, BOS, IND, DET. I'd put TOR above DET. So I have TOR in the top 4. Then DET, then CLE.

Then a group of MIA, ORL, ATL. Maybe WAS, PHI.

The East is going to be tough next year.

[snively]

Nice to see the East stocking up.  Been a pushover conference for too long.

[Who]

APHoops

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons were amongst the multiple teams attempting to trade for Kawhi Leonard before they were rebuffed by Leonard?s camp, per @ShamsCharania.

[Donoghus]

Whoa.  What do we have here?

Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
Developing: The Los Angeles Clippers-Toronto Raptors trade centered on Kawhi Leonard will not be complete until the NBA investigation into the Clippers is over. Statement from the Clippers to ESPN:
 
For the past 10 months, our organization has fully cooperated with an NBA investigation, participating in dozens of interviews, providing tens of thousands of documents, and facilitating access to our staff. While the process has been challenging, we have remained committed to transparency.
 
On June 30, we reached an agreement in principle to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. We have since been informed that the trade can only be finalized if the Raptors' ownership group assumes the risk of penalties related to Kawhi?s contract that could theoretically result from the ongoing investigation.  The investigation is ongoing, and we expect the trade to be finalized following its conclusion.
 
At the heart of this investigation are Joe Sanberg and Aspiration. We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration. Like many sophisticated investors, financial institutions, and business partners, we were victims of a fraud initiated by Sanberg, who has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison. 
 
We recognize the uncertainty this has created and the impact it has had on our team, our fans, the Raptors organization, their fans, and the players whose futures remain affected while this process continues.
 
We remain confident that, when the facts are evaluated fairly and thoroughly, the NBA will confirm exactly what we have said from the beginning: We have not done what we are accused of doing

[Celtics2021]

Whoa.  What do we have here?

Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
Developing: The Los Angeles Clippers-Toronto Raptors trade centered on Kawhi Leonard will not be complete until the NBA investigation into the Clippers is over. Statement from the Clippers to ESPN:
 
For the past 10 months, our organization has fully cooperated with an NBA investigation, participating in dozens of interviews, providing tens of thousands of documents, and facilitating access to our staff. While the process has been challenging, we have remained committed to transparency.
 
On June 30, we reached an agreement in principle to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. We have since been informed that the trade can only be finalized if the Raptors' ownership group assumes the risk of penalties related to Kawhi?s contract that could theoretically result from the ongoing investigation.  The investigation is ongoing, and we expect the trade to be finalized following its conclusion.
 
At the heart of this investigation are Joe Sanberg and Aspiration. We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration. Like many sophisticated investors, financial institutions, and business partners, we were victims of a fraud initiated by Sanberg, who has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison. 
 
We recognize the uncertainty this has created and the impact it has had on our team, our fans, the Raptors organization, their fans, and the players whose futures remain affected while this process continues.
 
We remain confident that, when the facts are evaluated fairly and thoroughly, the NBA will confirm exactly what we have said from the beginning: We have not done what we are accused of doing

Whoa indeed.  I wonder how much longer this is going to drag out, but it seems the NBA is not willing to concede, after 10 months, that there is nothing to see here.

[Donoghus]

More

Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
Raptors: "...the NBA league office informed us that as a result of the ongoing investigation involving the Clippers, we would assume the risk of any potential outcome of the investigation impacting Kawhi.

In light of this, we will wait until the league's investigation is complete.

The Raptors remain eager to bring Kawhi back to Toronto and look forward to a swift resolution for our players, our organization, and our fans.

[Sketch5]

I think the best punishment for the Clippers should be winning the lottery in 2028.... 

[Vermont Green]

Could this result in Kawhi getting suspended or is this just about potential fines?  LAC could just agree to pay any team fines but if there is a suspension for Kawhi, then that is a problem for TOR.

[Celtics2021]

Could this result in Kawhi getting suspended or is this just about potential fines?  LAC could just agree to pay any team fines but if there is a suspension for Kawhi, then that is a problem for TOR.

Definitely about a suspension or perhaps a voiding of his contract.  It is not that the Raptors would be on the hook for fines, but the NBA saying if there is a problem with Kawhi?s contract, trading him will not make that problem go away.  If the Clippers are found to also be culpable, they would have their own penalties.  It is not like the Raptors, for example, would owe any luxury taxes that the Clippers avoided, but LA might.

[Donoghus]

Sounds like it might not drag on (anymore)

Michael Grange
@michaelgrange
So, based on some preliminary convos: 1) NBA wants investigation complete before deal closes to avoid unintended consequences (ie small chance Kawhi contract gets voided) 2) Barring THAT the deal will close as agreed. 3) Hope is issue will be resolved by BOG meeting Tuesday:

[Celtics2021]

Sounds like it might not drag on (anymore)

Michael Grange
@michaelgrange
So, based on some preliminary convos: 1) NBA wants investigation complete before deal closes to avoid unintended consequences (ie small chance Kawhi contract gets voided) 2) Barring THAT the deal will close as agreed. 3) Hope is issue will be resolved by BOG meeting Tuesday:

Regarding #3: I wonder if they will present a proposal for Clippers punishment in addition to Kawhi punishment if they are bringing it before the BOG.  If it is just a player getting punished, one would think that is just the league offices involved.  Of course, I suppose they could present a report saying that nothing happened or it was not the Clippers fault, but I think they would just release that when they have it rather than bringing it to the BOG.  The BOG meeting is where votes happen.

[No Nickname]

I think the best punishment for the Clippers should be winning the lottery in 2028.... 

And forfeiting their 2027 picks... and their ability to sign free agents.   

[Neurotic Guy]

I think the best punishment for the Clippers should be winning the lottery in 2028.... 

And forfeiting their 2027 picks... and their ability to sign free agents.   

Have to admit that the 2028 pick has some legs.  A miserable year from the Clips or the Sixers and we get a great pick.  I've been dreading the '28 pick swap with SA and will hate to see them get a good pick from us, but this new scenario softens that blow - maybe a lot.