Kawhi Leonard’s uncle and representative, Dennis Robertson, became known in NBA circles for making unprecedented requests on behalf of his nephew.
Sources told The Athletic that Robertson repeatedly asked teams for perks including unlimited private plane access, a house, guaranteed endorsement earnings, and even a stake in the franchise.
These demands were viewed by multiple teams, including the Lakers, Raptors, and Clippers, as potential salary cap circumventions. Team executives reportedly found the requests audacious, with one source describing them as having “no beginning and no end.”
The Lakers, who had historical precedent with Magic Johnson receiving team equity, repeatedly turned down Robertson’s requests. Jeanie Buss, the team president, reportedly challenged Robertson to get other teams to agree to the terms in writing, underscoring their extremity.
League sources confirmed that Robertson attempted the same negotiations with Leonard’s previous team, the Toronto Raptors, and later the Clippers. An executive involved in the talks described Robertson’s approach as “a willingness to ask crazy things” without formal limitations or guardrails.
The aggressive negotiation style has placed Robertson, Leonard, and the Clippers under scrutiny as part of the NBA investigation into Leonard’s endorsement deal with Aspiration. The law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is examining whether the arrangement violated the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has emphasized due process while reviewing financial documents, while insiders indicate the probe may stretch into the second half of the season. John Hollinger of The Athletic noted that potential penalties could include fines, suspensions, or even voiding Leonard’s contract, valued at over $50 million next season.
While some executives admire Robertson’s boldness, others expressed frustration at the lack of constraints on his negotiating style. Sources described him as single-minded in advocating for Leonard, often pushing for preferential treatment on both minor and major requests.
The situation has left the Clippers’ roster planning and Leonard’s contract status uncertain. Any ruling from the NBA could have broader implications for team operations and the free agency market, depending on whether circumvention is confirmed.
