Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[Jmaciscool]

That quote is about the timeline it would take for this to end. 

One MAJOR factor is that when the investigators end their search, they don't make the decision on what to do. They just forward it to Silver, and if there is evidence of wrongdoing that he wants punished, there is (1) a hearing, with the evidence subject to being challenged, ending in a decision, and (2) any decision can be appealed. The hearing, and the appeal, add quite a bit of time to the timeline, but (the quote above) it gets shortened if they decide not to contest it.

While "not contesting it" seems unlikely in the normal course of things, here it's possible to happen, because neither Kawhi nor LAC want to be left in limbo, I wouldn't think, as the season is already going, still uncertain where he plays (or if he doesn't play at all). Of course, if one or both think they are getting unfairly screwed, it certainly would go all the way.

But in any event, the investigators have to find evidence THAT WILL HOLD UP WHEN CHALLENGED, which takes much longer (and much stronger evidence) - or they can just say "never mind" at any time, of course. But I'm guessing what is dragging it out is that they have some weak evidence, or not enough, but too much to just drop it. So it continues.

Hmmm...that does sound like a found too much to be innocent but not enough to be guilty situation.