It has been almost a year since NBA management launched an investigation into the dealings between Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers. The process has gone on so long that it is now impacting regular league business, something that has become an even bigger black eye.
Through a third-party law firm, the NBA is investigating claims that the Clippers circumvented the salary cap when signing Leonard. Everything hinges on a now-bankrupt company called Aspiration and the Clippers allegedly funneling $28 million to Leonard through a bogus endorsement deal.
BREAKING: Kawhi Leonard had a hidden, multimillion-dollar "sponsorship" with Clippers' scoreboard-maker, sources tell @PabloTorre.
— Pablo Torre Finds Out (@pablofindsout) August 7, 2026
"It was 1,000% a way to circumvent the salary cap," insider says.
In our investigation, Daktronics' Ballmer-linked crisis firm raises NBA probe ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/LU1AeBAF44
The founder of Aspiration was recently sentenced to 14 years in prison for his part in a completely separate $248 million investor fraud scheme. Clipper's owner Steve Ballmer personally invested $60 million in Aspiration while the franchise signed a 23-year, $300 million corporate sponsorship deal.
The Clippers' situation is dicey at absolute best
After reports by Pablo Torre were published, the NBA engaged the services of law firm Wachtell Lipton to conduct their own investigation into the allegations starting in September 2025. NBA commissioner Adam Silver wants it done before this season, but it may stretch into 2027.
On top of Aspiration, the NBA has expanded the scope of their investigation into Leonard. They are now also looking into at least one more sponsorship/endorsement deal and his minority stake in a Rhode Island soccer club. Their concerns about the Klaw seem to be getting bigger.
Adding to this timeline is the fact that both Ballmer and Leonard have maintained their innocence, with Ballmer vowing to fight any and all penalties in court. Assuming the NBA actually manages to hand down a judgment any time soon, legal challenges will drag this situation out.
The NBA is dropping the ball on the entire Leonard/Clippers situation
This has already gone on long enough that it's messing up regular league business. The Raptors' trade with the Clippers to bring Leonard back to Toronto is on hold. Why? Because the league has stated that the Raptors would absorb any associated penalties that come with Leonard.
LA is naturally happy to keep Leonard on the team, but this move also puts other moves on hold as both the Clippers and the Raptors wait on a resolution. The fact that the investigation is continuing to drag on is patently absurd. The entire league needs this wrapped up before the end of September.
If there is clear-cut evidence of wrongdoing by Leonard, Ballmer, and/or the Clippers, then a report needs to be issued as soon as possible and penalties assessed. The only reason to keep this investigation going any longer is the problem is bigger and more widespread than known. Uh oh.
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