NBA fines Clippers, but trade stays frozen

The NBA concluded its year-long investigation into the Clippers' cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard, fining the team $700,000 with no suspension or voided contract. Leonard's agreed trade to the Raptors, first reported June 30, remains on hold.

Raptors hit pause, now waiting on Clippers

Toronto initially put the trade on hold due to uncertainty about Leonard's punishment. Now that the league has ruled, the Raptors are at the mercy of the Clippers to finalize the deal.

Leonard's choice may have angered the Clippers

When Leonard accepted the NBA's punishment without appealing, he removed the Clippers' ability to pursue arbitration. Some league observers believe the team is now deliberately dragging its feet on the trade out of spite.

“The delay has naturally led some league observers to wonder aloud whether the Clippers are holding off, or considering something even more drastic, to spite Leonard for so readily accepting the league's punishment rather than invoking his right to pursue an appeal.”

Clippers lack clear leadership structure

Owner Steve Ballmer, president of business operations Gillian Zucker, and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank are all suspended. The Clippers must appoint a new head of basketball operations and acting governor before the trade can be finalized.

Acting governor approval is the real bottleneck

The Clippers have only two alternate governors: Zucker (also suspended) and co-owner Dennis Wong. Wong's involvement with Aspiration as an investor may give the NBA pause in approving him, creating a major holdup.

Clippers may be negotiating with the league

The Clippers' uncertainty about leadership could be a deliberate tactic to negotiate a more favorable deal with the NBA before owners' meetings next week, rather than letting the situation escalate to court.

Leonard waits in Miami for his return

While the Clippers and NBA sort out their dispute, Leonard is in Miami for a player-led pre-training camp retreat, preparing for his official return to Toronto whenever the trade is approved.