NBA Investigates Clippers, Aspiration $28M Kawhi Leonard Contract

Kawhi Leonard's $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration, a company heavily invested in by LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and minority owner Dennis J. Wong, has sparked an NBA investigation amid allegations it was a no-show contract intended to circumvent the salary cap. The contract required Leonard to fulfill several modest obligations, including limited production days and community events, but also allowed him to opt out of activities inconsistent with his beliefs, raising questions about the extent of his actual involvement. Emails from Aspiration executives revealed concerns about the deal's value due to Leonard's limited social media presence and minimal commitments. Financial documents show that Wong invested nearly $2 million in Aspiration shortly before the company paid Leonard $1.75 million, intensifying scrutiny over possible collusion to bypass league rules. Both Ballmer and the Clippers have denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of the endorsement arrangement, while Aspiration's former CEO emphasized that marketing plans with Leonard were under discussion prior to his departure. The NBA has hired an external law firm to investigate these transactions, with commissioner Adam Silver stating the need for concrete evidence before levying punishments.