Steve Ballmer Denies Knowledge in Kawhi Leonard Aspiration Deal Amid NBA Probe

Steve Ballmer, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, vehemently denies that the team was involved in Kawhi Leonard's $28 million endorsement deal with the now-bankrupt company Aspiration, asserting that the contract was signed months after Leonard had already agreed to a team extension. Ballmer revealed that while the Clippers helped introduce Leonard to Aspiration, that was the full extent of their involvement, and he was unaware of the details surrounding the endorsement, which is under investigation by the Department of Justice. He admitted to being defrauded by Aspiration, having invested $50 million based on their carbon neutrality claims, but claimed he had less than 3% ownership and no control over the company’s sponsorship decisions. Despite the controversy and fan discontent, Ballmer emphasized the Clippers have always abided by salary cap rules and maintained a good relationship with Leonard, who has remained silent on the matter. Meanwhile, discussions continue about the potential consequences for those involved, with figures like Mark Cuban suggesting that if Ballmer knew about the deal, the repercussions could be severe. The Clippers owner’s recent interviews, including one with ESPN, have sparked further questions but also reaffirm his stance that the team did the right thing and was victimized by Aspiration’s fraudulent scheme.