Kawhi Leonard is reportedly willing to sign a contract extension only with the Toronto Raptors or San Antonio Spurs if traded from the Los Angeles Clippers.
The NBA is investigating whether Leonard and the Clippers circumvented the salary cap via his Aspiration sponsorship deal. If violations are found, his contract could be voided. Leonard has one year and roughly $50 million remaining on his deal.
Leonard spent his first seven seasons with the Spurs, winning Finals MVP in 2014, and led the Raptors to the 2019 championship. He has been with the Clippers since. The Clippers recently traded James Harden for Darius Garland and Ivica Zubac for Bennedict Mathurin plus picks including Keaton Wagler.
Potential trades face salary and asset hurdles. The Raptors could offer Collin Murray-Boyles and multiple first-round picks but must navigate contracts for Brandon Ingram and others. The Spurs could match salary with Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson yet face long-term cap issues tied to Victor Wembanyama and the need to move De'Aaron Fox.
Leonard has drawn boos from Spurs fans in past visits. Both teams would need to weigh his age and injury history against his on-court impact.