The NBA’s investigation into possible salary cap circumvention by the Los Angeles Clippers is moving forward and will include an interview with Kawhi Leonard.
According to Shams Charania on ESPN, the league is looking for concrete proof, including a potential paper trail, to determine whether the franchise broke rules during Leonard’s free agency and endorsement dealings. The last major case of cap circumvention dates back 25 years, when the Minnesota Timberwolves faced penalties over an under-the-table contract with Joe Smith.
The probe centers on Leonard’s $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration, a bankrupt tree-planting company in which Clippers owner Steve Ballmer held a small investment. Reports suggested the arrangement may have functioned as a “no-show” contract with financial ties to Leonard’s tenure in Los Angeles.
Ballmer has rejected those claims, insisting the Clippers never crossed league boundaries. Speaking to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, he stressed the importance of maintaining an even playing field across the NBA.
“We, the Clippers, have abided by the salary cap circumvention rules because that’s the right thing to do and we have done that,” Ballmer said. “It’s a very important rule in terms of promoting competitiveness and equal playing field across the league.”
The billionaire owner explained that Aspiration initially approached the team with a sponsorship proposal, separate from any connection to Leonard. He noted Leonard’s contract had already been finalized months before the introduction took place.
Ballmer added that his stake in Aspiration was under three percent and that he had no control over the company’s operations. “Heck, it was a fraudulent company. It’s possible nobody had any control. They conned me,” he said.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Ballmer emphasized that Leonard and his representatives have always complied with league standards. “They know the rules… We make absolutely clear we’re going to abide by those rules, and they understand them as well.”
The Clippers have stated they will fully cooperate with the league, welcoming the opportunity to provide clarity. Ballmer maintained that the organization has nothing to hide and is prepared to demonstrate its compliance.
The outcome of the inquiry could carry significant implications for both the Clippers and Leonard, depending on whether the NBA uncovers violations tied to the Aspiration deal.
