It has been nearly a yr since NBA administration launched an investigation into the dealings between Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers. The method has gone on so lengthy that it’s now impacting common league enterprise, one thing that has turn into an excellent greater black eye.
Via a third-party regulation agency, the NBA is investigating claims that the Clippers circumvented the wage cap when signing Leonard. Every part hinges on a now-bankrupt firm referred to as Aspiration and the Clippers allegedly funneling $28 million to Leonard by a bogus endorsement deal.
BREAKING: Kawhi Leonard had a hidden, multimillion-dollar „sponsorship“ with Clippers‘ scoreboard-maker, sources inform @PabloTorre.
„It was 1,000% a method to circumvent the wage cap,“ insider says.
In our investigation, Daktronics‘ Ballmer-linked disaster agency raises NBA probe ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/LU1AeBAF44
— Pablo Torre Finds Out (@pablofindsout) August 7, 2026
The founding father of Aspiration was lately sentenced to 14 years in jail for his half in a totally separate $248 million investor fraud scheme. Clipper’s proprietor Steve Ballmer personally invested $60 million in Aspiration whereas the franchise signed a 23-year, $300 million company sponsorship deal.
The Clippers‘ state of affairs is dicey at very best
After stories by Pablo Torre have been revealed, the NBA engaged the providers of regulation agency Wachtell Lipton to conduct their very own investigation into the allegations beginning in September 2025. NBA commissioner Adam Silver desires it performed earlier than this season, however it might stretch into 2027.
On high of Aspiration, the NBA has expanded the scope of their investigation into Leonard. They’re now additionally wanting into at the very least another sponsorship/endorsement deal and his minority stake in a Rhode Island soccer membership. Their issues in regards to the Klaw appear to be getting greater.
Including to this timeline is the truth that each Ballmer and Leonard have maintained their innocence, with Ballmer vowing to combat any and all penalties in court docket. Assuming the NBA truly manages at hand down a judgment any time quickly, authorized challenges will drag this example out.
The NBA is dropping the ball on the complete Leonard/Clippers state of affairs
This has already gone on lengthy sufficient that it is messing up common league enterprise. The Raptors‘ commerce with the Clippers to carry Leonard again to Toronto is on maintain. Why? As a result of the league has acknowledged that the Raptors would take up any related penalties that include Leonard.
LA is of course completely satisfied to maintain Leonard on the workforce, however this transfer additionally places different strikes on maintain as each the Clippers and the Raptors wait on a decision. The truth that the investigation is continuous to pull on is patently absurd. The whole league wants this wrapped up earlier than the top of September.
If there may be clear-cut proof of wrongdoing by Leonard, Ballmer, and/or the Clippers, then a report must be issued as quickly as potential and penalties assessed. The one motive to maintain this investigation going any longer is the issue is greater and extra widespread than identified. Uh oh.
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