The Los Angeles Clippers find themselves in limbo as they await the NBA's investigation into them and star Kawhi Leonard to be completed. Unfortunately for them, according to the Athletics' John Hollinger, that process may take longer than expected.Â
Hollinger mentions the possibility of Leonard still being on the Clippers heading into October and NBA training camp. If that were to happen, it would create a nightmare scenario for the Clippers.Â
Leonard could either be suspended for part of next season or have his contract voided altogether. Either scenario would be disastrous for Los Angeles.Â
The Kawhi Leonard investigation is a nightmare for the Clippers
Remember, the Clippers are still hoping to trade Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Gradey Dick, Brandon Ingram, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks.Â
But if Leonard gets suspended, then the Raptors may try to claw back the assets they have to give up in that deal. Worse yet, if Leonard's contract gets voided, then the Clippers get absolutely nothing from the Raptors.Â
Of course, if the Clippers and Leonard are found to have circumvented the salary cap, then that would be a fitting punishment. Not only that but Leonard could technically still sign with the Raptors while the Clippers get nothing in that scenario.
The NBA is leaving the Clippers and Raptors in limbo
The NBA taking more than a year to investigate both the Clippers and Leonard seems like overkill. There seems to be plenty of evidence of at least some form of salary caps or convention.
If the NBA wants to punish the Clippers, that's fine, but they are inadvertently hurting the Raptors too. That's not fair to them, but it seems that the NBA is in no rush to finish their investigation.Â
That is bad news for both teams and Leonard. Hopefully, it won't take until October to dole out punishment, if there is any. At least it would give both the Clippers and Raptors a chance to pivot in case he were suspended or had his contract voided.
Add us as a preferred source on Google