What happened: Amick reports that people involved remain puzzled by the extended delay despite the Clippers' explanation. The late-June agreement would send Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick to Los Angeles alongside draft compensation.

Why it matters: The Clippers' salary-cap circumvention penalties included a six-month suspension for basketball operations president Lawrence Frank. Leonard avoided a game suspension, removing Toronto's original concern about discipline affecting his availability. The NBA was still awaiting submission of the deal for approval on Sept. 3, according to [The Canadian Press](https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/09/03/nba-waiting-for-raptors-clippers-to-submit-kawhi-leonard-trade-for-approval/).

What to watch: Sept. 28 media day is the next pressure point as both teams prepare for the 2026-27 season.