Photo: LA Clippers/X

The trade that would send Kawhi Leonard from the Clippers back to the Raptors remains on hold while the NBA completes its ongoing investigation into the Clippers.

In a statement to ESPN, the Clippers said they have fully cooperated with the league over the past 10 months, participating in interviews, providing thousands of documents, and giving investigators access to team personnel.

The organization said it reached an agreement in principle to trade Leonard on June 30 but was later informed by the NBA that the deal cannot be finalized unless the Raptors accept the risk of any potential penalties tied to Leonard’s contract that could result from the investigation.

The Clippers also denied the allegations against them, saying the investigation centers on Joe Sanberg and Aspiration.

“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.”

The team added that it expects to be cleared.

“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.”

The Raptors confirmed they were informed they would assume any potential liability if the trade were completed before the investigation ends.

“… 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.”

Because of that, Toronto said it will wait until the league finishes its investigation before completing the trade.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR