Report: NBA probing possible tampering violations on Lowry, Lonzo deals

The NBA is investigating possible tampering violations stemming from sign-and-trade deals involving Kyle Lowry and Lonzo Ball, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne.

The league's probe will examine contact between the involved parties prior to the opening of the free-agency period on Aug. 2.

Lowry joined the Miami Heat earlier in the week in a sign-and-trade agreement with the Toronto Raptors, signing a three-year, $85-million contract in a deal that saw Goran Dragic and Precious Achuiwa head north of the border.

Ball left the New Orleans Pelicans for the Chicago Bulls in a similar exchange involving Tomas Satoransky, Garrett Temple, and a second-round pick. Ball signed a four-year, $85-million agreement with the Bulls.

The NBA's anti-tampering rules prohibit teams, players, and coaches from approaching players on rival clubs while contractually bounded to their respective organizations.

The league raised the maximum fine for a party found guilty of tampering two years ago to $10 million. Executives from guilty organizations can also be suspended, draft picks can be voided, and contracts can be nulled.

The Los Angeles Lakers received a $500,000 fine in 2017 - the largest in league history - after general manager Rob Pelinka was found guilty of engaging in conversations with Paul George’s agent while the player was still under contract with the Indiana Pacers.