Clippers-Raptors deal frozen
A proposed trade sending Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors, agreed in principle on June 30, remains on hold as both teams await the outcome of an investigation into alleged salary cap circumvention. Leonard, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, and Leonard's uncle and advisor Dennis Robertson are being investigated for their alleged involvement in a "no-show" agreement with the company Aspiration, which is alleged to have funneled extra compensation to Leonard. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said on July 14 that he expects the investigation to conclude before the 2026-27 season starts. Silver and the NBA are not running the investigation themselves, having engaged a third-party law firm to conduct it.
Portland and the Blazers discuss Moda Center future
Representatives of the Trail Blazers met with Portland city councilors on Thursday to discuss a new lease and the commitment of public funds to renovate the aging Moda Center, the NBA's oldest arena without a major upgrade. New Blazers owner Tom Dundon has said he would commit to a 20-year lease keeping the team in Portland if the state, city, and Multnomah County agree to fund a $600 million renovation. Oregon has pledged $365 million, conditional on Portland contributing $120 million and Multnomah County also providing funds. Multnomah County is scheduled to vote on its contribution on August 6, and the Portland City Council is set to vote on August 12. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said the city is "not contemplating suing the Blazers, Rip City Management or other parties."
"First-class" standard dispute
Trail Blazers president of business operations Dewayne Hankins said the team's new owners are prepared to negotiate in good faith but want the current bridge lease amended to remove a provision requiring the team to maintain the Moda Center as a "first-class" NBA arena. Hankins called the standard "relic language from a 30-year-old lease" that has been "wielded as a weapon" in the negotiations, and said it would not appear in any new agreement. The team has already contributed more than $1 billion toward construction and maintenance of the arena since it was built, according to Hankins. A current bridge lease expires in 2030.
Share this article
