NBA Finds No Evidence Steve Ballmer Used Sponsors to Pay Kawhi Leonard
Summary
The NBA found no proof that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer used team sponsors to illegally pay player Kawhi Leonard and bypass the salary cap. The league is still investigating whether the Clippers broke rules by introducing Leonard to these sponsors.Key Facts
- The NBA started investigating in September 2022 after claims about a fake endorsement deal involving Kawhi Leonard and a company called Aspiration.
- Allegations said Ballmer invested $50 million in Aspiration, which signed a $300 million deal with the Clippers, and later a $28 million endorsement deal with Leonard.
- NBA looked into deals with Aspiration, Daktronics, and Boingo Wireless but found no evidence of money being funneled to Leonard improperly.
- The league is now focusing on whether introducing Leonard to team sponsors broke salary cap rules.
- The NBA is also reviewing if the Clippers failed to properly supervise their staff regarding these deals.
- The Clippers traded Leonard to the Toronto Raptors, but the trade is paused until the NBA finishes its investigation.
- It is unclear what specific rules might have been broken or what penalties may apply.
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