Kawhi Leonard Trade to Raptors Nears Finalization

The Los Angeles Clippers' agreed trade of Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors, stalled since June 30, is expected to be finalized soon. The NBA concluded its investigation into Clippers' salary cap circumvention last week, clearing Leonard to move after a fine.

The league imposed major penalties on the Clippers for violating rules against cap circumvention via "no-show" endorsement deals. Los Angeles strongly disagreed with the decision despite evidence in the report from law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. Toronto had paused the trade awaiting Leonard's penalties, which did not include suspension or contract voiding.

Trade Terms for Leonard

Assuming original terms stand, the Clippers will receive a package from the Raptors for Leonard.

Harden Deal Awaits Adjustment

James Harden agreed to a three-year, $97 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers on August 20, but it remains unofficial. The Cavs are hard-capped at the first tax apron after acquiring Peyton Watson via sign-and-trade. This would prevent them from signing a 15th player all season if Harden's full deal goes through.

Adams views a reduced salary for Harden as the most plausible outcome. An alternative would be another roster move to create financial flexibility for the full $97 million. Cleveland waived Cam Whitmore, stretching his salary, and signed Khalifa Diop to a minimum deal but still hasn't finalized Harden's contract.

Pelicans' Mathurin Signing Hinges on Moves

The New Orleans Pelicans have not finalized a two-year, $16 million deal with Bennedict Mathurin. The contract will come from their non-taxpayer mid-level exception, triggering a hard cap at the first apron. The Pelicans need to ensure they stay under that cap and likely want to duck below the luxury tax line, sitting $5.77 million away.

Due to unlikely incentives in contracts for Jordan Poole, Dejounte Murray, and Saddiq Bey, signing Mathurin at reported terms would push New Orleans over both the first apron and tax line. Hoops Rumors states the Pelicans must make at least one cost-cutting move first.

DeRozan's Minimum Deal with Nuggets

No cap issues prevent the Denver Nuggets from officially signing DeMar DeRozan, who agreed to a one-year deal on August 21 using the minimum salary exception. However, the Nuggets are currently about $2 million above the second tax apron. Adding DeRozan would put them approximately $4.5 million over that threshold, possibly prompting a move to get below it before formalizing his contract.