Mavericks already look even better for not cashing in on Kawhi after latest update

Less than two weeks ago, the Dallas Mavericks reportedly discussed a trade with the Clippers centered around Kawhi Leonard. The news wasn't surprising, given the star's Toronto ties to Masai Ujiri, but still, that kind of move didn't make sense for Dallas. It's especially good now that they didn't proceed, not just because of the price Toronto paid, but because the deal is now on hold.

The Clippers have been under investigation by the NBA for months following allegations that LA circumvented the salary cap by paying Leonard money through his previous endorsement deal with Aspiration. The results of that investigation remain unknown, which made the trade interesting to begin with, given the seriousness of the allegations.

Well, about that.

As Shams Charania reported for ESPN, the Raptors said the league informed them that they would "assume the risk of any potential outcome of the investigation about Kawhi." Understandably, Toronto doesn't want to be punished for something it wasn't part of (and could've actually gotten burned by if the allegations prove true), so the organization wants to wait until the investigation is completed.

Just think, the Mavericks could be in the Raptors' position right about now, wondering if Kawhi would actually suit up for them, over a week after the trade was first agreed to.

Raptors' Kawhi trade is on hold due to ongoing NBA investigation

The worst-case for Toronto is that, if the results of the investigation don't favor LA, the deal could fall through. You can argue that could actually benefit the Raptors, given his age (35) and injury history, but for them, it was a move worth making, regardless.

You can't say the same for Dallas. Trading for an oft-injured, aging star (sound familiar?) isn't exactly under the 'right way to build the future around Cooper Flagg' category. Neither is losing draft assets for said star. Most Mavericks fans should be able to agree it was best to let that opportunity pass. But now? Every fan should agree on it.

Imagine the awkwardness of Dallas trying to welcome back the players it thought it traded (sorry, Klay!), which is what Toronto will have to do with Brandon Ingram if the deal falls through completely.

Ujiri and Masai made the right decision not to agree to a trade with Los Angeles, avoiding being at the center of yet another problematic trade. Sometimes, it really is better to do nothing than something.

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