**Clippers Accused of Salary Cap Violation in Kawhi Leonard Deal**
The Los Angeles Clippers and their owner, Steve Ballmer, are facing allegations of circumventing the NBA’s salary cap by providing All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard with $28 million for a “no-show job.” Sports journalist Pablo Torre brought these claims to light in a recent episode of “Pablo Torre Finds Out,” citing direct quotes from legal documents.
According to Torre, Leonard received the $28 million through Aspiration, a now-defunct tree-planting service. The company had entered into a legal agreement with Leonard’s KL2 Aspire, LLC, which Torre argues allowed Ballmer to pay Leonard beyond his existing contract, potentially violating NBA regulations.
A specific clause in the agreement reportedly allowed Leonard to “decline to proceed with any action desired by the Company,” implying he could receive payment without any obligations. Torre noted that he found no evidence of Leonard promoting or endorsing Aspiration. Furthermore, a clause indicated that Leonard would only receive the $28 million if he remained with the Clippers.
Torre interviewed former Aspiration employees, one of whom, using a voice modifier, claimed the contract was designed to “circumvent the salary cap.” In response, the Clippers issued a statement denying any wrongdoing, asserting that neither Ballmer nor the organization engaged in misconduct related to Aspiration.
The communication between Aspiration and KL2 Aspire LLC was facilitated by Dennis Robertson, Leonard’s advisor, who has previously been scrutinized by the NBA for seeking impermissible benefits. Although Robertson was cleared of any wrongdoing in a past investigation, the league is now looking into the recent allegations. NBA spokesperson Mike Bass confirmed that an investigation is underway.
Kawhi Leonard, a highly sought-after free agent, surprised many when he signed a three-year, $104 million deal with the Clippers. His contract was extended in 2021 for four years at $176 million, followed by a three-year, $149 million extension in 2024. Last season, the two-time NBA champion played only 37 games due to right knee inflammation, which arose during the U.S. national team camp ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications for both Leonard and the Clippers could be significant, potentially affecting their future strategies and compliance with league regulations.
**FAQ**
**Q: What are the allegations against the Los Angeles Clippers regarding Kawhi Leonard?**
A: The Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer are accused of violating the NBA’s salary cap by paying Kawhi Leonard $28 million for a “no-show job” through a now-bankrupt company, Aspiration.