NBA Roundup: Leonard return to Toronto official
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(AP) -- The trade sending Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto is finally complete, with the Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers getting league approval on Monday to close the deal that was agreed to earlier this summer.
In the end, the deal was the same as what was agreed to 2 1/2 months ago: Leonard returns to the Raptors, with the Clippers getting Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round draft picks, two second-round picks and a pick swap.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Kawhi back to Toronto,” Raptors general manager and executive vice president Bobby Webster said. “His impact on our organization, our city, and our country is undeniable, and he embodies the competitiveness and championship mindset that we value. We believe his leadership, experience and talent will help us as we continue building toward our next championship.”
It’s a huge move for Toronto, which won the 2019 NBA title with Leonard leading the way and is expecting to contend in the Eastern Conference. But the sides put the agreement on hold in early July pending any resolution of NBA’s investigation into whether the Clippers circumvented salary cap rules with regard to Leonard’s compensation.
The NBA hit the Clippers earlier this month with massive penalties as a result of that probe, suspending owner Steve Ballmer for one year, fining the team $30 million and forcing it to forfeit five first-round draft picks, among other sanctions.
Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, was hit with a $700,000 penalty as a result of that investigation. But he was not suspended and his contract was not voided, and the Raptors evidently are certain that his status will not be affected.
Leonard, 35, spent one season in Toronto -- and led the Raptors to their lone title. He is coming off the highest-scoring season of his career, averaging 27.9 points for the Clippers in 65 games.
Leonard is a seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA selection, a two-time NBA champion (also winning in 2014 with San Antonio) and is considered one of the game’s top defensive players. He is expected to sign an extension with the Raptors once the trade is finalized.
Toronto visits the Clippers on Nov. 2 and hosts the Clippers on Jan. 1. The teams are also scheduled to meet at Vancouver in a preseason game on Oct. 10.
Gibson retires after 17 NBA seasons
CHICAGO (AP) -- Taj Gibson has joined Tiago Splitter’s first coaching staff with the Chicago Bulls after playing for eight teams in 17 NBA seasons.
Gibson announced the end of his playing career on Monday. The 6-foot-9 forward was selected by Chicago in the first round of the 2009 draft and played for the Bulls for his first seven-plus seasons.
“It’s the beginning of a new chapter,” Gibson posted on social media. “After 31 years of basketball, I can walk away with no regrets, knowing I left everything on the floor. God has truly blessed me.”
The 41-year-old Gibson averaged 8.3 points and 5.7 rebounds in 1,012 career games, also playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies.
Gibson was waived by New Orleans after he was acquired in a trade with Memphis last week.
“I wanted to be the guy my teammates could count on someone who brought toughness, energy, leadership, and heart every time I stepped on the court,” Gibson wrote in his retirement announcement.
Splitter was hired by Chicago in June. Gibson will join Wes Unseld Jr., Blake Ahearn, Jamelle McMillan, Rex Kalamian and Jonah Herscu as Splitter’s assistants.