NBA: Silver demands proof of guilt from the Clippers in Kawhi case

NBA to Investigate Clippers for Possible Salary Cap Circumvention

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced that the league will be in charge of demonstrating any irregularities in the investigation into a possible circumvention of the salary cap by the Los Angeles Clippers, their owner Steve Ballmer, and star Kawhi Leonard.

“The burden falls on the league if we are going to sanction a team, an owner, a player, or any constituent member of the league,” Silver stated during his annual press conference at the conclusion of the league’s board of governors meetings in Manhattan.

Adam Silver

Silver emphasized the need to examine “the totality of the evidence” rather than relying solely on “mere appearances”. The league has already launched an investigation to determine if Ballmer and the Clippers violated league rules, because Leonard accepted a $28 million sponsorship from Aspiration, an eco-friendly banking company now in bankruptcy in which Ballmer had invested. The accusations arose last week when an unidentified employee who allegedly worked for Aspiration declared to podcaster Pablo Torre that the payment to Leonard “was intended to circumvent the salary cap”. Sources indicated that the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, based in New York, will conduct a thorough investigation of the matter, with no deadline set for reaching a conclusion. Silver made it clear that the NBA will take responsibility for demonstrating any irregularities. Silver also mentioned other relevant topics for the league.

All-Star Game Format

Silver indicated that the goal is to implement the new format of the All-Star Game at the beginning of the regular season. He confirmed that it will change to a three-team format for the February All-Star Game in Los Angeles, with 16 American players and eight international players. Silver underscored the importance of involving the players in the league’s most prominent event.

European League

Silver reported that conversations continue on the various aspects related to the possible creation of a league managed by the NBA in Europe, with the participation of various areas of the league. Silver and Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum traveled to Europe to meet with different stakeholders this summer. Silver also highlighted that discussions with the EuroLeague, the most important league in Europe today, are ongoing. Silver denied the idea that the NBA is prioritizing domestic expansion over the creation of a European league.

Research on Beasley

Silver declined to comment on potential restrictions on Malik Beasley’s availability while the NBA conducts its own investigation into the gambling allegations against the free agent guard. Silver simply said that the investigation is ongoing and that the league will address any information presented in Beasley’s case.