Clippers, Raptors trade for Kawhi Leonard faces a bizarre problem

Now that the Toronto Raptors know that Kawhi Leonard won't be suspended or have his contract voided, the trade should be back on the table.

The Raptors halted the trade amid the league's investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers' alleged salary-cap circumvention scheme.

Understandably, there were concerns that Leonard might not be able to play. Instead, he got off pretty easily while the Clippers shouldered most of the blame. 

Now, former GM John Hollinger reveals that the deal is most likely back on track. However, there's not a clear person on the Clippers who can green-light the deal, given the suspensions.

They'll have to get creative. 

Raptors and Clippers will most likely finish the trade 

“With those concerns out of the way, the trade can presumably go forward … as soon as the Clippers get around to figuring out who will okay it,” Hollinger wrote. “With their owner suspended for a year and their president of basketball operations for six months, it will fall on other parties within the organization to get this deal to the finish line.”

There were also concerns regarding whether the Raptors would now change the terms of the trade.

While technically, that can happen, Hollinger argued that the Raptors' front office wouldn't risk their reputation around the league by doing so now:

“Could Toronto try to turn the screws and ask LA to take less? Again, unlikely. NBA deals are made on trust, and word quickly spreads about those who try to squirm out of completed agreements. Additionally, the Raptors aren’t exactly operating from a position of strength either,” Hollinger added.

This is probably a first, but who knows? Maybe an entry-level guy or an intern will make NBA history by signing on that deal.