Dallas Mavericks president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri is interested in reuniting with Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, sources told The Athletic’s Christian Clark, Dan Woike, and Sam Amick. The Mavericks and Clippers discussed a trade that would send Leonard to Dallas in exchange for a package involving P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, and draft compensation, Clark, Woike, and Amick reported. The Toronto Raptors have also spoken to the Clippers about the possibility of reacquiring Leonard, sources told Sportsnet’s Michael Grange. Toronto’s proposal would most
likely include Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and draft picks, but the deal is unlikely to involve RJ Barrett, Grange reports. Ujiri was previously Toronto’s top basketball executive and famously acquired Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs in July 2018. The seven-time All-Star’s lone campaign north of the border was a huge success as he led the Raptors to their first NBA title and earned his second career Finals MVP nod. Leonard joined the Clippers in free agency following the 2018-19 campaign and has spent the
last seven seasons with his hometown club. The seven-time All-NBA selection is coming off one of his best seasons, averaging a career-high 27.9 points on 50.5% shooting across 65 appearances. He’s entering the final year of his contract. Dallas cleaned house following a 26-56 campaign. Ex-Portland Trail Blazers executive Mike Schmitz is the team’s new general manager, while the Mavs poached head coach Dusty May from national champion Michigan on the eve of the NBA draft. The Mavericks’ roster features reigning Rookie of the Year
Cooper Flagg and nine-time All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, who missed all of the previous campaign with a torn ACL. Meanwhile, the Raptors went 46-36 last season and made their first postseason appearance in four years. Toronto’s up-and-coming core is led by NBA All-Defensive second-team selection Scottie Barnes and second-year forward Collin Murray-Boyles. The NBA is still investigating the Clippers for allegedly circumventing the salary cap to pay Leonard extra money. The league has reportedly interviewed Leonard, his uncle and business adviser Dennis Robertson, Clippers owner
Steve Ballmer, various members of the team’s front office, and executives from Aspiration – the now-defunct green banking company at the heart of the allegations. Both Leonard and the Clippers have denied an alleged $28-million “no-show” endorsement deal with Aspiration.
Kawhi Leonard, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers, Masai Ujiri, P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, Scottie Barnes, NBA investigation, Aspiration endorsement deal
So Kawhi going to the Mavs now? Clippers really can’t catch a break lol.
I feel like this is all just cap stuff. Like if the league is “investigating,” doesn’t that mean the trade can’t happen or they already know it’s fine?
Wait, why are they bringing up Toronto like RJ Barrett is involved? I swear I read somewhere that Barrett was untouchable. But then it says it’s “unlikely” so… is it still possible or not? Also Kyrie Irving being there has nothing to do with this right?
The Aspiration no-show endorsement sounds shady, but I don’t even understand basketball contracts half the time. If they “denied” it, what, the NBA just shrugs? I’m just saying Masai Ujiri always making moves like it’s chess, and Dallas is probably trying to copy the Raptors playbook or something. Also Klay Thompson in a deal feels random like they’re throwing names at a wall to see what sticks.