Groundbreaking Allegations Surrounding Kawhi Leonard

In a recent episode of The Athletic's podcast, host Pablo Torre unveiled significant revelations regarding Kawhi Leonard's time with the Los Angeles Clippers. Backed by detailed court filings and testimonies, Torre's investigation linked a potentially dubious "no-show job" paying Leonard $7 million per year to the Clippers, suggesting they may have circumvented the NBA's salary cap during his acquisition.

The league promptly responded to the report, confirming they are launching an investigation into the Clippers. This situation bears resemblance to a notorious cap circumvention case involving the Minnesota Timberwolves over two decades ago, which resulted in severe penalties, including forfeited draft picks and suspensions for management. However, the focus now is on the hypothetical scenario: What if Kawhi never made the leap to Los Angeles?

Kawhi's Departure and Its Consequences

Leonard's decision to join the Clippers in the summer of 2019 marked a significant pivot point in NBA history. Had he chosen to return to the Toronto Raptors, where he clinched a championship and Finals MVP honors, Toronto may have been poised for another title run. With key players like Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby retained, the Raptors could have challenged even the formidable Los Angeles Lakers, who went on to win the championship in 2020.

Leonard's absence from the Clippers would have left a void for other potential signings. The Lakers, for instance, could have built a superteam around LeBron James and Anthony Davis if Kawhi had chosen them instead, an opportunity that might have altered the trajectory of both franchises.

The Ripple Effect Across the League

Moreover, Kawhi's signing directly influenced player movements throughout the league. The trade that brought Paul George to the Clippers included promising talents like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has since emerged as one of the league's elite players. Without Leonard's commitment to Los Angeles, the Thunder may have maintained their core longer, significantly impacting their eventual championship run.

As the narrative around Kawhi evolves, the overshadowing controversies regarding his past decisions—from leaving San Antonio to the way he exited Toronto—could define his legacy more than his impressive accolades. Although he has solidified his position as a dual Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, these recent allegations might complicate how future NBA historians view his career.