During an appearance on streamer N3ON’s stream, Dillon Brooks offered just three definitive words. During the conversation, N3ON said, “Raptors did get Kawhi.” Brooks immediately replied, “It’s not happening.”

Brooks’ comment does not provide official information regarding the trade discussions. However, it came as Toronto continues to evaluate whether to move forward while the NBA’s investigation remains open.

Why has the trade not happened?

The Toronto Raptors made a big splash this summer with the addition of Kawhi Leonard. After finishing fifth last season (46-36), the franchise is hoping that Leonard will lead it to prosperity in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference.

But now, amid the NBA’s cap-circumvention investigation, there are doubts that the trade will even go through. Leonard, 35, was a Clipper for six years leading up to this summer.

The scandal involves a potential back-door agreement between Leonard and the Clippers to use a fraudulent tree-planting company as a front to skirt the salary cap. It was discovered that Kawhi had a $28 million no-show endorsement deal with the company, which was eventually (and indirectly) traced to team owner Steve Ballmer himself.

The risk the Raptors do not want to take

If the Raptors trade for Kawhi now, the team would be assuming all the risks that come with it, including the possibility that Leonard’s contract is voided, which would be a nightmare given what it gave up to get him. Given that fact, it makes sense for the Raptors to be hesitant about taking on Kawhi, but canceling the trade outright would be the worst possible outcome for everyone.

Kawhi’s performance

While he ultimately failed to lead the franchise to an NBA title, his impact on the floor is obvious, with averages of 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 50.5% shooting from the field last season. At his best, Kawhi is an elite two-way wing player who brings championship experience and powerful versatility to any lineup.

According to The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov, the outside law firm hired by the NBA appears to have finished its work. The league must now review the findings and determine whether Leonard, the Clippers, or owner Steve Ballmer should face discipline. “The investigation, I think, is over now,” Vorkunov said. “The NBA is kind of like sifting through what the law firm they hired has found, deciding whether there’s a punishment or not that they then want to levy.”

The probe centers on allegations that Leonard‘s endorsement agreement with Aspiration—a now-bankrupt company financially connected to Ballmer—may have been used to circumvent the NBA’s salary cap. Leonard reportedly agreed to a four-year, $28 million endorsement deal that also included company equity, though he did not participate in traditional promotional campaigns for the company.

Wait continues for Leonard trade

The Clippers have denied any wrongdoing and maintain that the team was the victim of fraud related to Aspiration, rather than participating in an attempt to offer Leonard additional compensation.

Although the investigation phase appears to have concluded, the process could remain unresolved for some time. Vorkunov explained that any proposed penalty might have to be presented to an arbitrator in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement. The National Basketball Players Association would also intervene if the league decides to sanction Leonard, and either party could appeal the decision.

This uncertainty continues to delay the proposed trade that would send Leonard to Toronto in a package including Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and future draft pick compensation. Vorkunov still expects the deal to materialize unless the NBA imposes the most severe penalty possible and voids Leonard’s contract.

For now, Leonard, Ingram, and Dick remain attached to their previous teams despite the trade agreement. With no firm timetable for a decision, the uncertainty could extend toward training camp. Leonard is coming off a season in which he averaged a career-high 27.9 points while remaining one of the NBA‘s most effective two-way players when available.

According to The Athletic, the third-party investigation into the controversy has officially ended. However, that does not mean the waiting period is over. The facts of the case have all been delivered, according to The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov.

Now that the investigation has officially concluded, the league will review what has been discovered. The only step remaining is waiting for the league to render its final decision.

The trade remains incomplete

Even with the investigation finalized, pending matters remain, meaning Leonard’s transaction is not yet complete. The deal sending Leonard to Toronto for Ingram and Dick remains stalled. Adam Silver and the NBA will have to decide whether the findings warrant penalties. If penalties are issued, the case will go to trial per the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Currently, there is no timeline for when this matter will be resolved. Leonard, Ingram, and Dick may very well still be on the rosters of the teams they were traded from when training camp officially opens in October.

This would create an awkward situation in which the players involved in the trade would be unable to report to their prospective new teams—a scenario that could impact team chemistry if they are eventually cleared to proceed with the transaction.

Why the NBA is investigating Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers

The league maintains strict rules governing contract distribution, including a cap on how much a team can spend on its roster. This specific rule is the one the Clippers are accused of violating with Leonard.

In 2022, the Clippers’ star forward signed a four-year endorsement deal worth $28 million with a company called Aspiration, which also included $20 million in company equity.

Due to the circumstances surrounding his contract with the firm, the endorsement deal is being viewed as a potential case of salary cap circumvention. The allegation contends that the Clippers used the deal to pay Leonard more than his NBA contract specified, allowing the organization to funnel additional money to him without it counting against the league’s salary cap.

With this win, the Cavaliers are set to face the Detroit Pistons, who came off a Sunday afternoon Game 7 victory against the Orlando Magic, also becoming the 15th team to overcome a 3-1 deficit, a remarkable achievement.

The series is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 5, at 7:00 PM ET, after all other matchups are already set and ready to tip off. The first round has delivered outstanding series, and it is almost certain that the conference semifinals will offer the same level of excitement. The other conference semifinal matchup features the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks.

Cleveland vs Raptors Game 7

Toronto led the entire first half until Cleveland tied it heading into the break. The Cavaliers used that momentum to take control after a dominant third quarter, as they outscored the Raptors 38-19 to pull away for good. The plus-19 point differential marked Cleveland’s best margin in any quarter of the series.

The Raptors cut the deficit to 11 points with 2:31 left in the game, but the Cavaliers held on for the win. They now face the Detroit Pistons, who won their own Game 7 on Sunday against the Orlando Magic. It marks the third straight season Cleveland reached the second round, their longest streak since 2014-2018.

Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen led the team with a playoff career-high 22 points, including 14 in the third quarter, along with 19 rebounds. Donovan Mitchell added 22 points, while James Harden contributed 18. Cleveland dominated the boards, outrebounding their opponent 60-30, including 20 offensive rebounds. It was the largest rebound differential, +27, recorded in a winner-take-all game since 1987.

Scottie Barnes recorded 24 points, nine rebounds, and six assists for Toronto, becoming the third player in Raptors history to post at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a Game 7. After hitting the game-winner in Game 6, RJ Barrett finished with 23 points and six assists.

The record of a key piece

According to ESPN, Jarrett Allen is the second Cavaliers player in postseason history with 20 or more points and 15 or more rebounds in a Game 7. He joins LeBron James on May 27, 2018, against the Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals.

The injury occurred in the second quarter of the previous matchup, when he landed awkwardly on a drive and immediately showed discomfort before heading to the locker room and being ruled out for the rest of the game.

That setback comes at a critical moment in the series, with Toronto trying to stay alive in the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Medical reports have confirmed the issue as a lingering heel problem that has flared up again during the postseason.

How and when did Brandon Ingram get injured?

Brandon Ingram suffered a right heel inflammation during Game 5 of the Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers 2026 NBA Playoffs series. The injury happened in the first half when he landed awkwardly on a drive, showing immediate discomfort before briefly trying to continue.

He was later pulled from the game and ruled out after the Raptors’ medical staff determined he couldn’t return. Reports indicate that he had been managing the heel issue for several weeks during the series, with the problem flaring up again under playoff intensity.

The team attempted treatment during the game, including retaping his foot, but he ultimately could not play through it as the Cavaliers pulled ahead in a critical matchup.

How has Brandon Ingram been performing this season?

Brandon Ingram has been the Toronto Raptors’ primary scoring option this season, averaging 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists during the 2025–26 regular season. Those numbers reflect his role as the team’s offensive centerpiece, consistently leading them in usage and shot creation.

In the 2026 playoff series against the Cavaliers, however, his production has dipped due to defensive pressure and ongoing injury management. He has averaged around 14.8 points per game in the series, shooting below his regular-season efficiency while still remaining the focal point of Toronto’s offense.

The star forward is currently featured on the official NBA injury report as questionable due to a left ankle sprain, leaving his status in doubt for the showdown against his former team. Joining Leonard on the report are Jordan Milles, who is also questionable, while Yanic Konan Niederhauser and Bradley Beal have both been ruled out for the contest.

Leonard entered the Clippers’ previous game against the Bucks with the same designation but ultimately played and delivered a dominant performance. The former Spurs standout led Los Angeles to a commanding 129-96 victory over Milwaukee, recording a game-high 28 points to go along with five rebounds and three assists.

Is there a chance for Leonard to play tonight?

Given his questionable status, there is a legitimate possibility that Leonard could sit out tonight’s matchup against the Raptors. His left ankle injury has become a recurring issue, landing him on the injury report frequently over the last several weeks.

Clippers want to avoid Play-In Tournament

The Clippers‘ path to avoiding the Play-In Tournament is becoming a narrow one, and having Kawhi Leonard on the floor is essential to their survival. As the undisputed leader of the team, Leonard has been productive through 56 games this season, averaging a team-high 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.

However, the team finds itself in a delicated situation. Entering tonight’s matchup against Toronto, the Clippers sit in 8th place at .500, needing a strong finish in their final ten games to secure a guaranteed playoff spot.

The climb is made more difficult by the teams directly ahead of them. The Phoenix Suns hold the 7th seed at 40-32, while the Houston Rockets occupy the coveted 6th seed at 43-28. For the Clippers to move up, they don’t just need to maintain a near-perfect record down the stretch; they also need those teams to stumble significantly in their final games.

Their rhythm this season has often been influenced by who can take the floor. His blend of size and skill makes him one of OKC’s most unique offensive and defensive weapons, and his presence or absence can shift rotations and matchups.

With several starters already dealing with injuries, his potential availability adds an extra layer of narrative to a late-season contest that carries implications beyond the box score. As tipoff approaches, final decisions on the rotation and lineup beckon careful attention from analysts and fans alike.

Will Chet Holmgren suit up for Thunder vs Raptors?

Heading into Tuesday’s matchup in Toronto, Chet Holmgren’s availability remains one of the biggest question marks on the Oklahoma City injury report. The Thunder have listed him as questionable due to low back spasms, meaning his status isn’t confirmed and could shift right up to tipoff.

He joins several teammates on the injury list, with stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams already ruled out, layering another wrinkle into Oklahoma City’s rotation plans. Even if he suits up, how many minutes he logs could be limited as the team balances health and competitive needs.

Whether the All-Star big plays or not, his status has already shaped the narrative of a game where depth and matchup adjustments will be central. Raptors coaches and fans alike are tracking the report closely as the Thunder aim to maintain their strong season while navigating personnel challenges.

After publicly declaring his desire to play the final stretch of his career in Los Angeles, Paul was granted that opportunity to play with the Clippers; however, the reunion did not go as planned. In just 16 games this season with the Clippers, prompediting 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes per game, the franchise opted to move him to Toronto.

Reports indicated that the Raptors were not interested in retaining him, and he was officially waived by the franchise on Friday. Shortly after the move, Paul took to social media to announce his definitive retirement from the league.

Despite the unceremonious end, his legacy remains immense. A certain Hall of Famer, Paul will go down as one of the greatest floor generals in history, even without an NBA championship.

The former Spurs and Suns star finishes with 23,058 points and 6,006 rebounds, while ranking second all-time in both assists (12,552) and steals (2,728) across 1,370 career games.

Paul’s farewell message

In a heartfelt post, Paul expressed deep gratitude for his time in the league and the life basketball provided for him. However, the final words of his statement caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.

“This is it! After over 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball. As I write this, it’s hard to really know what to feel, but for once — most people would be surprised — I don’t have the answer lol! But, mostly I’m filled with so much joy and gratitude! While this chapter of being an “NBA player” is done, the game of basketball will forever be engrained in the DNA of my life. I’ve been in the NBA for more than half of my life, spanning three decades. It’s crazy even saying that!! Playing basketball for a living has been an unbelievable blessing that also came with lots of responsibility. I embraced it all. The good and the bad. As a lifelong learner, leadership is hard and is not for the weak. Some will like you and many people won’t. But the goal was always the goal, and my intentions were always sincere (Damn, I love competing!!).“

Those last few words suggest that Paul may not have felt fully ready to step away, harboring a desire to continue competing at the highest level until his release by the Raptors and a lack of subsequent interest from other contenders effectively made the decision for him.

However, the transition comes with unexpected news. Charania reports that Paul will not be required to report to the Raptors, meaning he won’t need to physically integrate with the team’s roster.

“The Raptors will not require Chris Paul to report to the team and could still entertain trade discussions involving him in the coming days. With this move, Toronto is now out of the luxury tax. Meanwhile, Brooklyn picks up an asset and receives cash to offset Agbaji’s salary. The Clippers clear a roster spot and save $7 million in tax liabilities,” reported Charania about the trade.

Given this scenario, it seems unlikely that Paul will don a Raptors jersey or perhaps even play his final season as anticipated. However, the next few hours could prove pivotal for both the veteran player and his new team, as trade discussions remain ongoing.

Nets’ financial gains from the deal

With Paul as the centerpiece of this multi-faceted deal, the Brooklyn Nets play a significant role in negotiations. NBA insider Chris Haynes reports that the Nets will receive a substantial financial windfall from this transaction.

“The Brooklyn Nets are set to receive $3.5 million from the Los Angeles Clippers in the three-team trade involving Chris Paul and the Toronto Raptors. There is an expectation that CP3 will be waived,” Haynes shared on his X account.

Under these circumstances, fans are left speculating about Paul’s future and how he might conclude his illustrious NBA career. Once anticipated to make a significant impact on the court, Paul now finds himself as a trade asset, possibly outside the Raptors’ plans.

Los Angeles updated the injury report and lists both LeBron James, dealing with foot and sciatica soreness, and Luka Doncic, managing a groin issue, as available for tonight’s game. Head coach JJ Redick confirms that Doncic is considered day-to-day after an MRI reveals no structural damage..

James suited up in Saturday’s loss to Portland, finishing with 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists in just over 32 minutes. The Lakers played that game without Doncic, and there is a real possibility that both stars sit out Sunday night as the team weighs workload and recovery.

James has played both ends of just one back-to-back this season, which came earlier this week. With the four-time champion logging heavy minutes throughout the year, Los Angeles carefully manages his availability as the team looks ahead to the stretch run of the season.

Luka Doncic and LeBron James by the numbers

Doncic averages 33.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 33.4 percent from three-point range. The Lakers hold a 20-12 record in games he plays, but they sit at 4-4 when he is unavailable, underlining his impact on both ends of the floor.

James posts 22.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game during the 2025-26 NBA season, shooting an efficient 50.8 percent from the field and 32.2 percent from beyond the arc. Even as he balances scoring and playmaking, his presence continues to shape the Lakers’ offensive rhythm.

Positive injury updates for Los Angeles

Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart are set to play after exiting the previous game against Portland with minor issues. More importantly, centers DeAndre Ayton, dealing with a knee concern, and Jaxson Hayes, managing a hamstring injury, are no longer listed on the injury report, giving Los Angeles added depth in the frontcourt.

The Lakers enter the night at 24-16 and ride a two-game losing streak. Sitting sixth in the Western Conference, Los Angeles understands that a win against the Raptors is critical to stabilize its position in a tightly packed standings race.

According to Marc Stein, the Warriors will face challenges if they pursue Davis. The Toronto Raptors remain interested in Davis, and any trade package would likely include a combination of Immanuel Quickley or Jakob Poeltl, along with RJ Barrett.

“Sources say Toronto is among the teams that has maintained trade interest in Davis, but any firm offer that the Raptors make is expected to be built around the contract of Immanuel Quickley or Jakob Poeltl alongside RJ Barrett in a Davis deal. Even if the Raptors proved willing to attach a future first-round pick to those contracts, such a deal would provide scant financial relief for Dallas,” Stein reported.

Any of these players could provide value to the Mavericks. Quickley is a versatile point guard who can score at all three levels while creating opportunities for teammates. He could step in as the team’s starter while waiting for Kyrie Irving’s return and later serve as a high-level backup, which could benefit both sides.

The Davis situation

The Mavericks’ star sustained ligament damage in his left hand during a recent loss to the Jazz. ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that Davis is likely to undergo surgery to repair the injury and will be sidelined for several months.

The Warriors and other interested teams

Amid ongoing trade rumors, the latest injury report initially seemed to pause speculation regarding Davis’ future. However, Charania noted that the Mavericks have reportedly resumed trade talks with multiple interested teams. If Davis is moved to a playoff contender, his return timeline could allow him to rejoin during the postseason.

Alongside the Warriors, the Atlanta Hawks have reportedly emerged as serious contenders, with the Raptors also among the foremost NBA teams pursuing Davis, according to Charania. The Warriors’ trade package may not be as favorable, creating a challenge in negotiations.

Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, Mooses Moody, and a first-round pick are reportedly the core pieces the Warriors are prepared to offer, following the precedent set in discussions regarding Michael Porter Jr., though equivalent parameters would need to be met in any Davis trade.