The Los Angeles Clippers will suffer the consequences for allegedly circumventing the salary cap, but Kawhi Leonard does not wish to expend any more mental energy on the subject. He wants to fully invest himself in the Toronto Raptors and leave the NBA's investigation in the past, and in LA. The two-time Finals MVP expressed his intentions after being formally re-introduced as a member of the Eastern Conference franchise.
“I know why some of you guys came, you want to hear about the investigation, but talking with the NBA and the {players association}, I think the best decision is to move forward and focus on my time being a Toronto Raptor,” Leonard said in an opening statement on Media Day, per Sportsnet's Michael Grange.
“I already was a distraction for the past 70 days and wasn't able to meet my teammates {or} do any of that minicamp stuff with them… so I just want to focus on basketball.”
Article Continues Below"You want to hear about the investigation… I think the best decision is to move forward and focus on my time being a Toronto Raptor. … I just want to focus on basketball."
Kawhi Leonard in his opening statement at Raptors Media Day.
(via @michaelgrange)…
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 28, 2026
The NBA determined that the Clippers violated rules by facilitating a $28 million endorsement contract between Leonard and the now-bankrupt Aspiration, Inc., a story that was ignited by journalist Pablo Torre. LA is forced to forfeit five consecutive first-round draft picks, beginning in 2029, and pay a $30 million fine. Clippers brass will serve suspensions, and the organization is now under federal investigation. Owner Steve Ballmer refuses to admit wrongdoing.
Kawhi Leonard, who is ordered to pay a $700,000 fine, accepted accountability for the actions of his inner circle after the punishment was doled out. His uncle Dennis Robertson is banned from conducting business with an NBA team for five years.
The future Hall of Fame forward's decision to not answer questions regarding the Aspiration scandal obviously gains him personal comfort, but it also eases Toronto's burden. The Raptors have big plans this season after reuniting with Leonard and do not want any controversy overshadowing their on-court product.