Clippers would welcome Kawhi back if Toronto balks, says Shelburne

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne said on ESPN LA's Mason & Ireland that the Clippers are comfortable keeping Kawhi Leonard if Toronto backs out of the trade, which has been on hold since July 9 amid the NBA's investigation into the team.

The deal would send Leonard to the Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and a heavy draft package, and Shelburne said it could be renegotiated if Toronto seeks to claw back compensation, with league scrutiny of owner Steve Ballmer centered on a possible failure to supervise rather than direct evidence of cap circumvention.

Yahoo Sports reports the trade has now been agreed, coming as the NBA hits Los Angeles with a $30 million fine and strips five future first-round picks over cap circumvention tied to Leonard's endorsement deals. The move would end Leonard's seven-year run with the Clippers as the team turns toward a rebuild.