This would be the best outcome for Toronto Raptors in Kawhi Leonard investigation

Toronto Raptors fans have been patiently waiting for the NBA to wrap up its investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers, so this hypothetical trade can be completed.

But what if the best outcome for the Raptors isn't completing the trade at all?

On June 30, Toronto agreed to send Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks (2031 and 2033), two second-round picks (2030 and 2033) and a pick swap to the Clippers in exchange for Leonard.

Ten days later, the Raptors told league officials to pause the trade while the league continues to investigate the cap-circumvention scandal that allegedly gave Leonard millions of dollars off the books in addition to his contract.

The Raptors are awaiting the outcome of the league's investigation before the trade for the 35-year-old star is processed. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)

The deal before the conclusion of the investigation would have put Toronto in an awkward spot, and Toronto's decision to pause the trade is just the front office essentially adding some buyer's protection.

If the NBA finds no wrongdoing and the trade goes through, Leonard becomes a Raptor, and Toronto gives up a significant amount of assets in return.

But if the league determines that the Clippers and Leonard violated the NBA's collective bargaining agreement when his contract was negotiated in 2021, Leonard's contract with Los Angeles could be voided, which may be better for Toronto's future.

Leonard has one year left on his three-year, $150 million veteran extension, and voiding the contract would make the 35-year-old a free agent. He has indicated Toronto would be the only destination he wants to sign long-term, so there isn't that fear of another NBA team swooping in.

That would give Toronto a chance to land the seven-time NBA All-Star in free agency without having to surrender four draft picks and a pick swap to acquire him. Though the Raptors would still need to find homes for Ingram and Dick to free up cap space to re-acquire Leonard.

Of course, like in any negotiation, there's also plenty of complications that could stem from this outcome. But from a pure asset-management standpoint, Toronto getting back Leonard without giving up a massive haul of draft capital would be the ideal.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver addressed the investigation last month during NBA Summer League and said he hopes the league can reach a conclusion by the end of the summer and before the start of training camps.

"We all have an interest in wrapping this up. I'm hopeful that it will wrap up this summer, so that will continue to be the goal here," Silver said.

Kawhi Leonard and his partner Kishele Shipley attended the National Bank Open on Aug. 11. (John E. Sokolowski/Imagn Images)

Whenever it is resolved, Leonard has wasted no time in making himself at home in the city — again.

The two-time NBA Finals MVP was spotted fanboying at the National Bank Open earlier this week, and even pulled up to Kyle Lowry's retirement ceremony last month.