NBA Investigates Clippers Over Kawhi Leonard $28M Endorsement Deal

The Los Angeles Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer are under NBA investigation for a $28 million endorsement deal between Kawhi Leonard and Aspiration, a now-bankrupt green banking company in which Ballmer invested $50 million. The investigation, sparked by journalist Pablo Torre's report, questions if the Clippers circumvented salary cap rules by compensating Leonard through this endorsement, as Leonard allegedly performed no services for Aspiration. Ballmer maintains the Clippers have acted with integrity, emphasizing the timing of the deals—Leonard's contract extension was finalized before his introduction to Aspiration—and portraying himself as a fraud victim after Aspiration's co-founder pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Despite skepticism from an anonymous NBA executive who expressed confidence in Ballmer and Leonard, the league has hired a top law firm to thoroughly examine the case, with potential consequences including voiding Leonard's contract if rule violations are found. This is not the first time Leonard's business dealings with the Clippers have faced scrutiny, with prior investigations into alleged improper requests during his 2019 free agency and payments to middlemen. Meanwhile, there is speculation about Leonard's future with the Clippers, including a potential trade to the San Antonio Spurs, who are approaching a championship window with young star Victor Wembanyama, as the Clippers look to balance their current competitive window with a need for youth and future planning.