What happened: The proposed form would indemnify the league and Los Angeles from legal recourse tied to any punishment, Torre said. The Toronto transaction remains stalled while the NBA inquiry continues.

Why it matters: The clause would leave Toronto carrying the transaction's penalty risk without a path to reopen its terms. The delay leaves both clubs planning for 2026-27 around an unfinished deal.

By the numbers: The trade was agreed June 30 and put on hold July 9, a nine-day gap.

What to watch: Watch for the NBA's decision and whether Toronto accepts the risk allocation required to complete the transaction.

Sources