NBA Investigation Delays Kawhi Leonard Trade To Toronto Raptors

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss LeBron James' agent Rich Paul receiving voice notes from NBA teams interested in James and the blockbuster Kawhi Leonard trade that has unexpectedly been put on hold.

The Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors seemingly agreed to a deal that would send Leonard back to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and multiple future draft picks. However, the NBA has delayed final approval while it completes an investigation into allegations that the Clippers may have violated salary cap rules through Leonard's endorsement agreement with the now-defunct company Aspiration. The NBA informed the Raptors that if the trade were completed while the probe was active, Toronto would inherit the risk of any punishment resulting from the investigation (which could include voiding contracts, fines, or loss of draft picks). Will this trade happen?

LeBron James, at age 41, is the most coveted free agent in the NBA. Teams interested in acquiring James are reportedly sending personalized voice messages to his agent, Rich Paul, in an effort to recruit the four-time NBA champion. With LeBron avoiding formal free-agent meetings, executives, coaches and even team owners are making their pitches through Paul, who then relays the messages to James as the league waits for the biggest decision of the offseason.