NBA Investigates Clippers, Ballmer Over Alleged $28M Kawhi Leonard Deal

The Los Angeles Clippers and their owner Steve Ballmer are under investigation by the NBA following allegations that Kawhi Leonard received a $28 million no-show endorsement deal with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt tree-planting company financially backed by Ballmer, which is suspected to have been used to circumvent the NBA salary cap. The scandal, first reported by journalist Pablo Torre, alleges the deal allowed Leonard to be paid outside the salary cap, raising concerns of salary cap circumvention similar to the historic Joe Smith case, which resulted in severe penalties for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Clippers have denied any wrongdoing, stating neither Ballmer nor the team circumvented the salary cap or engaged in misconduct related to Aspiration. Fans and NBA insiders have reacted strongly, with calls for harsh punishments and scrutiny of the team's recent aggressive roster-building moves, including their depleted first-round draft picks. NBA executives predict severe consequences if the allegations are proven true, and the league has officially launched an investigation led by Commissioner Adam Silver. This controversy adds to prior legal disputes involving Leonard's tenure with the Clippers, intensifying the spotlight on the franchise and its management.