Adam Silver: NBA did not delay Kawhi Leonard trade

NBA commissioner Adam Silver says the league did not prevent Kawhi Leonard’s trade to the Toronto Raptors from being completed despite the ongoing investigation involving the Clippers.

According to Silver, the decision to put the deal on hold was made by the two teams because of the uncertainty surrounding the investigation.

“The league did not pause the trade,” Silver said. “The parties to the trade made a decision not to go forward given that the investigation remained open. Any possible impact on Kawhi or his contract was yet to be known. They chose not to live with that uncertainty.

“That was well known before the trade was proposed. I don’t think there’s any reason for people to believe that the status of Kawhi Leonard would change merely because he was traded.”

Silver added that both organizations were aware of the investigation throughout the negotiations and remained in communication with the league office.

According to TSN’s Josh Lewenberg, the Raptors are only expected to reconsider the trade if Leonard’s contract is ultimately voided.

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— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) July 15, 2026