NBA Investigates Kawhi Leonard, Clippers for Salary Cap Circumvention

A bombshell report by Pablo Torre alleges that the Los Angeles Clippers, led by owner Steve Ballmer, circumvented the NBA salary cap by paying Kawhi Leonard $28 million through a no-show endorsement deal with a bankrupt company Ballmer invested in. The endorsement agreement involved Aspiration, a company once owned by Ballmer, which reportedly paid Leonard to bypass salary cap rules, prompting an NBA investigation confirmed by league spokesman Mike Bass. This controversy has potential ripple effects for the New York Knicks, particularly regarding Jalen Brunson's contract extension, as Torre suggested that critics may be using the Leonard situation to challenge the Knicks' dealings. The NBA's investigation into salary cap circumvention recalls a similar scandal involving Joe Smith and the Minnesota Timberwolves, which led to severe penalties imposed by then-commissioner David Stern. While the Clippers and Ballmer await the league's decision on possible discipline, the case raises broader concerns about adherence to salary cap regulations across the NBA.