PRESS RELEASE
13 July 2026

Kawhi Leonard Trade Pause: Russell Sanders Weighs In On NBA Contract Investigation

AB
Aird & Berlis LLP

Contributor

Aird & Berlis LLP is a leading Canadian law firm, serving clients across Canada and globally. With strong national and international expertise, the firm’s lawyers and business advisors provide strategic legal advice across all areas of business law to clients ranging from entrepreneurs to multinational corporations.
The Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers announced a blockbuster trade involving all-star forward Kawhi Leonard, but the deal has been unexpectedly paused pending an NBA investigation into Leonard's 2024 contract with Los Angeles.
Canada

On Thursday, July 9, 2026, the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers announced that the proposed trade that would bring all-star forward Kawhi Leonard to Toronto would be paused pending the outcome of an NBA investigation into Leonard’s 2024 contract with Los Angeles.

In a recent Canadian Press article, partner Russell Sanders commented on the latest development in the trade saga, noting that he would have expected the issue to have been vetted internally by both sides before the transaction was announced. He also said it would be surprising if the Raptors were required to assume any liability connected to conduct that occurred under another owner’s roof.

Sanders also referenced two significant salary-cap circumvention controversies from the NHL and NBA.To read the full article, click here.

Contributor

Aird & Berlis LLP is a leading Canadian law firm, serving clients across Canada and globally. With strong national and international expertise, the firm’s lawyers and business advisors provide strategic legal advice across all areas of business law to clients ranging from entrepreneurs to multinational corporations.

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