Uncovering a Controversial Deal

In a stunning revelation, NBA star Kawhi Leonard is facing accusations of manipulating the salary cap through a dubious endorsement contract with a now-defunct environmental firm linked to the LA Clippers. According to former employees of the company, Aspiration, Leonard secured a lucrative four-year, $28 million contract for what has been termed a 'no-show job'—allegedly designed to boost his earnings without impacting the team's salary cap.

The Podcast That Exposed It All

The allegations came to light in the 'Pablo Torre Finds Out' podcast, where seven unnamed former Aspiration employees detailed how the endorsement deal, partly funded by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, was crafted to bypass NBA regulations. One former financial official recalled being told to 'not ask' questions about the deal due to its questionable nature. Their stance was clear: this was a serious attempt to sidestep the league's financial rules.

NBA Investigates: What's Next?

In response to the report, NBA spokesman Mike Bass confirmed that the league is initiating an investigation into the accusations against the Clippers. Leonard’s camp did not respond immediately to requests for comments, and the Clippers issued a firm denial, stating they had not engaged in any misconduct related to Aspiration.

Pattern of Allegations

This isn’t the first time Leonard has found himself embroiled in controversy regarding his endorsements. A prior investigation in 2019 claimed that his uncle, Dennis Robertson, sought improper benefits during Leonard's free agency, including ownership stakes and extravagant perks. Although the league cleared the Clippers of wrongdoing at the time, they did warn that they would reopen the investigation should new evidence emerge.

Potential Consequences Loom