NBA Calls Urgent Meeting to Decide on Kawhi Leonard Investigation After Sparing Steve Ballmer

It appears that we're nearing the conclusion of the 11-month-long investigation of Kawhi Leonard. Back in September 2025, Leonard and LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer were accused of circumventing the NBA's salary cap. Leonard allegedly signed illegal endorsement deals that would allow him to receive more money outside of the Clippers' cap.

While all signs pointed towards Leonard and Ballmer committing the crime, it seems that the NBA hasn't found any solid evidence. With that in mind, NBA insider Baxter Holmes reported that the NBA Board of Governors plans to meet in mid-September to reach a resolution of the investigation.

"There will be an NBA Board of Governors meeting in mid-September that will likely provide official clarity from the NBA on a resolution to the Kawhi Leonard investigation," per Holmes.

"The NBA has found no evidence showing LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funneled money through team sponsors to pay Kawhi Leonard in order to circumvent the salary cap," Baxter also reported on ESPN.

Having all that in mind, it's likely that Leonard could finally be traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick. After the Clippers and Raptors agreed to a trade, Toronto suddenly decided to postpone the deal to avoid assuming any risk from the ongoing Leonard investigation.

Despite the circumstances, the Raptors expressed interest in Kawhi and said they'd welcome him once the investigation closes and he isn't found guilty. With all that said, it seems that Leonard's return to Toronto could come to fruition after the NBA Board of Governors meeting in mid-September.

NBA Insider Provides Clarity on Kawhi Leonard's Trade to the Raptors

With Kawhi Leonard likely to be deemed innocent after the 11-month investigation, the Toronto Raptors fans are now looking forward to the return of the star forward who helped them win the NBA championship in 2019. The question now is: when?

NBA insider Baxter Holmes reported that there are two possible dates when Leonard could finally be traded to the Raptors. Either at the end of August or after the NBA Board of Governors meeting in mid-September.

"One of the things that the NBA is looking at is the nature of introductions that the Clippers helped facilitate between Kawhi Leonard’s camp and various team sponsors," Holmes reported on SportsCenter.

"Now the Clippers have been upfront and adamant that they have been clean," Holmes continued. "We don’t have clarity on when the trade can be completed. In mid-September, there will be a meeting with a board of governors. We may have clarity by then. If not by then, potentially by the end of the month. Those are the next dates I’d keep in mind."

Given the current circumstances, it's a relief for Kawhi fans that their favorite star likely won't be suspended from the NBA. However, while Leonard does seem to be in the clear, he isn't necessarily safe from last-minute findings.

Leonard and LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer better hope that the NBA finds nothing else leading up to the meeting in September.