NBA Probes Clippers Over Kawhi Aspiration Deal

The Clippers’ offseason has been dominated by an NBA investigation after reporting by Pablo Torre that Kawhi Leonard signed a roughly $28 million endorsement with Aspiration while owner Steve Ballmer reportedly invested about $50 million in the firm. The league is probing whether the Aspiration deal was a no‑show endorsement designed to circumvent the salary cap; no definitive public proof has been released and penalties could be severe if violations are found. At Media Day Leonard disputed the coverage, calling it “conspiracies” and “clickbait,” saying he understood his contract, that he performed services, and that he was not paid the full amount. Clippers president Lawrence Frank said the team will cooperate, defended Ballmer’s character, and voiced confidence the investigation will clear the club. The matter is complicated by Aspiration’s bankruptcy and co‑founder Joe Sanberg’s guilty plea to wire fraud, and newly reported transactions have intensified scrutiny as the NBA continues its probe.