Clippers in the NBA’s crosshairs: Investigation into irregular payments to Kawhi Leonard

NBA Investigates Los Angeles Clippers for Possible Salary Cap Circumvention with Kawhi Leonard

The NBA has launched a formal investigation against the Los Angeles Clippers and their owner, Steve Ballmer, following allegations of a possible scheme to evade the salary cap, involving star Kawhi Leonard. According to reports, the Clippers may have funneled funds to Leonard through a sponsorship deal with the company Aspiration, currently in bankruptcy and under federal investigation. Journalist Pablo Torre reported that the Clippers had transferred 28 million dollars to Leonard through a sponsorship agreement signed in 2022 with Aspiration. Ballmer invested 50 million dollars in the company in 2021. The sponsorship contract, handled by Leonard’s company, KL2 Aspire, included a clause that was voided if the player left the Clippers. A former Aspiration employee indicated that the agreement sought to circumvent the league’s salary cap.

“has begun an investigation”

Mike Bass, NBA spokesperson

The NBA, through its spokesman Mike Bass, confirmed that it is aware of the accusations and that “has begun an investigation” to clarify the facts. The Clippers denied any wrongdoing in an official statement.

“Neither Mr. Ballmer nor the Clippers organization have engaged in any wrongdoing. The relationship with Aspiration ended in 2023 when the company failed to meet its obligations. The notion that money was funneled to Kawhi is absurd”

Clippers Statement

If a violation of the salary rules of the 2023 collective bargaining agreement is verified, the NBA could impose severe sanctions, including fines of up to $7.5 million, loss of draft picks, suspension of executives, and the annulment of player contracts. This is not the Clippers’ first problem with the league regarding Leonard. In 2019, the franchise was fined for comments made by their then-coach Doc Rivers. In 2020, the organization faced a lawsuit related to his signing. Leonard, 34, signed in 2024 a three-year, $153 million extension, which keeps him under contract through the 2026-27 season. The current investigation comes as the franchise prepares to inaugurate its new arena and faces one of the most decisive moments in its sporting project.