Kawhi Leonard finally returns to Raptors after NBA disciplined Clippers for salary cap rule circumvention

Kawhi Leonard is officially heading back to the Toronto Raptors , and it comes after the NBA disciplined the Los Angeles Clippers for breaking the league’s salary cap rules.

Leonard was at the forefront of a previously agreed-upon trade between the two franchises, but there was a question about whether it would go through.

Now, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Leonard, who helped the Raptors win the 2019 NBA title, will be heading back north of the border in exchange for 2031 and 2033 unprotected first-round picks as well as a 2027 first-round pick swap between both teams.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE The Clippers will also receive forward Brandon Ingram, shooting guard Gradey Dick, and second-round picks for the 2030 and 2033 NBA Drafts .

And yes, the Clippers will be getting the two first-round picks from the Raptors despite the league stripping them of five first-round picks, which were their own in 2031 and 2033 as well as others in 2029, 2030 and 2032.

NBA LEVIES ASTONISHING PENALTY AGAINST CLIPPERS OVER CAP CIRCUMVENTION INVOLVING STEVE BALLMER, KAWHI LEONARD After an investigation, the NBA found the Clippers to be in violation of its salary cap rules for allegations that Leonard specifically received impermissible benefits from the franchise, including being paid $28 million for a "no-show job." This was done as a way to get around the salary cap.

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is also suspended from all league and team activities for one year for "knowingly seeking to help Mr.

Leonard obtain off-court income opportunities, for approving a business deal that he knew was a precondition for Aspiration to enter into an endorsement agreement with Mr.

Leonard, and for his failure to create conditions under which his organization abided by the NBA’s circumvention rules," a league statement said.

Leonard, through his agent Harrison Gaines, issued a statement after the league’s discipline came down on the Clippers.

" Integrity and respect for this game are fundamental to who I am," he said, per ESPN.

"I accept full responsibility for lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle and regret the distraction this situation has caused the fans and my family.

I entered into my contract with the Clippers as well as the agreements in question in good faith, fully committed to fulfilling my obligations and with no knowledge of any intent on anyone's part to circumvent the salary cap.

For 15 years, my priority has been giving everything to my family, the game, and those I share the court with.