Kawhi Leonard Makes First Appearance Amid Clippers NBA Salary Cap Investigation

Kawhi Leonard, star forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, made a rare public appearance at the 2025 US Open amid an ongoing NBA investigation into alleged salary cap violations involving him, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, and the team. The controversy centers on claims that Leonard received $28 million through a no-show endorsement deal with Aspiration, a now-defunct company linked to Ballmer, which may have allowed the Clippers to circumvent league salary cap rules. The NBA is investigating these serious allegations, which could lead to significant penalties such as fines, suspensions, loss of draft picks, or voiding of contracts if the claims are confirmed. Despite the scandal, Leonard appeared calm and focused while watching the tennis matches, seemingly undistracted as he prepares for the upcoming NBA season. This investigation has heightened scrutiny of the Clippers' front office and raised broader concerns about player contract management and endorsement deals in the league. Leonard, a two-time NBA champion and six-time All-Star, will look to overcome these off-court distractions and injury struggles as he enters his 14th NBA season.