NBA Expands Kawhi Leonard Probe to 2nd Endorsement and Expense Coverage as $28 Million Aspiration Deal Lingers
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 14
NBA Expands Kawhi Leonard Probe to 2nd Endorsement and Expense Coverage as $28 Million Aspiration Deal Lingers
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 14
Summary
An 11-month NBA investigation has widened beyond Kawhi Leonard’s Aspiration contract to examine a second endorsement deal and whether the Clippers covered expenses without reimbursement.
The probe still centers on Leonard’s $28 million Aspiration sponsorship, which former employees said produced no public campaign despite internal attempts to build one around him before the effort was abandoned.
The scrutiny has already stalled a Raptors trade for Leonard after Toronto was told it would assume any league punishment tied to the case if it acquired him.
Emails reviewed by The Athletic show Aspiration also paid $17,181 in Leonard’s legal fees, adding to questions about side benefits as investigators test whether the Clippers bypassed salary-cap rules.
Steve Ballmer and the Clippers deny wrongdoing and say they were defrauded by Aspiration co-founder Joe Sanberg, whose testimony could shape any NBA finding or settlement.
With a major trade on hold, is the NBA about to void a superstar's contract?
An owner claims fraud, but did his investment hide a secret salary for a superstar?
Kawhi Leonard Trade to Raptors Stalled by NBA Probe: Clippers Face Possible Contract Voiding and Major Penalties
Overview
A major trade sending Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors was agreed upon but is now on hold, leaving both teams in limbo. The deal stalled after the Raptors announced it was pending the outcome of an ongoing NBA investigation, which is being conducted by outside counsel. This investigation has cast uncertainty over the NBA offseason, as the league expects to conclude it in the coming weeks. Until the probe ends, the future of the trade and the plans of both franchises remain uncertain, highlighting the significant impact of the unresolved situation.