The NBAs investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers may be nearing its conclusion, but it still isnt clearing the way for his reported move to the Toronto Raptors.The Athletics Mike Vorkunov revealed that the independent law firm hired by the NBA has reportedly finished the fact-finding stage of the investigation.The league is now reviewing those findings before deciding whether any punishment will be handed down to Leonard, the Clippers or owner Steve Ballmer.The investigation, I think, is over now, Vorkunov said on The Rich Eisen Show. The NBA is kind of like sifting through what the law firm they hired has found, deciding whether theres a punishment or not that they then want to levy.The investigation centres around allegations that Leonards endorsement deal with Aspiration a company that has since gone bankrupt and had financial ties to Ballmer was used as a way to circumvent the NBAs salary cap.Leonard reportedly signed a four-year, $28 million endorsement agreement that also included equity in the company, despite not taking part in traditional promotional work.The Clippers have consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining they were victims of fraud involving Aspiration rather than participants in an attempt to provide Leonard with additional compensation outside of league rules.While the investigation itself may be complete, the process is far from over.According to Vorkunov, any proposed punishment would likely need to be reviewed by an assistant arbitrator under the collective bargaining agreement. If the NBA moves to discipline Leonard, the National Basketball Players Association would also become involved, with either side able to appeal the decision.Related Article: 76ers Add Championship Veteran Kentavious Caldwell-PopeThat ongoing uncertainty has reportedly delayed a blockbuster trade that would send Leonard back to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and future draft assets.Despite the delay, Vorkunov still expects the deal to eventually go through unless the NBA delivers the harshest possible outcome by voiding Leonards contract.I think the trade with the Raptors will still happen, he said. If theres like a suspension, lets say thats what the investigation finds, you can kind of tweak the terms of the trade a little bit to make up for that.If the league determines no rules were broken, the trade could move ahead without issue. However, penalties such as a suspension, fine or loss of draft picks could force both franchises back to the negotiating table before any deal is finalised.READ MORE: People Are Losing Their Minds Over LeBrons Choice to Join the 76ers
