NBA investigates Clippers over Kawhi Leonard payment

The Los Angeles Clippers and its owner Steve Ballmer are facing scrutiny over a $28 million payment to star player Kawhi Leonard, which some reports say may have bypassed the NBA’s salary cap rules.

According to Pablo Torre, a former ESPN contributor, Leonard received the payment through a now bankrupt company, Aspiration, partially funded by Ballmer. 

The deal was an endorsement contract signed in April 2022, nine months after Leaonard had signed a four year, $176.3 million by player contract with the Clippers.

The endorsement deal reportedly allowed Leanard to receive payments regardless of actions requested by Aspiration. An unnamed source told Torre the arrangement was meant to circumvent the salary cap.

The Clippers released a statement denying any wrongdoing: “Neither Mr Ballmer nor the Clippers circumvented the salary cap or engaged in any misconduct related to Aspiration,” the team said. 

They added that they had ended relations with Aspiration in the 2022-23 season and had no knowledge of any improper activity.

Aspiration filed for bankruptcy in March 2025 and is under federal investigation for fraud. Its co founder pled guilty to defrauding investors of over $248 million.

The NBA’s salary cap rules allow penalties including fines, draft pick losses, voided contracts, and suspension for violations.

The Clippers emphasized that their endorsement deal with Leonard was standard, saying, “There is nothing unusual or untoward about team sponsors doing endorsement deals with player on the same team.”

This is not the first the Clippers have faced fines or investigations. In 2019, the team was fined twice for tampering and public comments regarding Leonard. 

The Clippers are also involved in a 2024 lawsuit from a former coach related to player management concerns.

Leanard, 34, signed a three-year $153 million contract in January 2024 to remain with the Clippers through 2026-27. 

The NBA has confirmed it is aware of the recent reports and is investigation the matter.