Kawhi Leonard continues to operate under the belief that his trade to the Toronto Raptors will be finalized before the start of training camp, despite the deal remaining on hold amid the NBA's ongoing investigation into alleged salary-cap circumvention by the Los Angeles Clippers, league sources told The Stein Line.

The Raptors agreed to the trade on June 30, sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first round picks and one pick swap to the Clippers in exchange for Leonard, but paused the move on July 9 before a trade call due to the pending resolution of the league's probe. Sources said Leonard's agent, Harrison Gaines, has maintained frequent contact with the NBA Players Association throughout the process, while investigators from Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz continue their review, now in its 11th month.

Leonard strongly believes the trade will ultimately be completed, according to sources, allowing him to join Toronto ahead of the team's Sept. 28 Media Day and subsequent training camp in Quebec City. The trade was reportedly structured with the expectation that Leonard, 35, would also negotiate a multiyear extension with the Raptors to extend his tenure beyond this coming season. Leonard is set to earn $50.3 million in 2026-27, the final year of his current contract.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver has not provided a firm resolution timeline, saying only that clarity is expected "this summer" when asked about the investigation during July's summer league in Las Vegas.