Clippers prioritize trading Kawhi Leonard to Raptors after league penalties

The NBA finalized disciplinary action against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday following an investigation into salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard. The league issued a 30 million dollar fine, a one-year suspension for owner Steve Ballmer, and the loss of five future first-round draft picks. The organization now intends to move forward with a trade sending Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. While the investigation previously stalled the deal, league expectations indicate the transaction will finalize in the coming days. The Clippers aim to receive outright first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 as part of the agreement despite the loss of earlier draft capital. Leonard has earned 375 million dollars during his career, and his departure marks the end of his tenure with Los Angeles amid the ongoing fallout from the league's investigation.

• 2:47 AMYahoo Sports — Clippers reportedly have $375M 'priority' for Raptors after investigation ends in harsh punishment