The NBA conducted a formal investigation of the Los Angeles Clippers last offseason, according to three sources with knowledge of the situation that spoke with Sam Amick of The Athletic. The investigation focused on complaints that Kawhi Leonard's uncle, Dennis Robertson, had asked for improper benefits during the free agency process.
Sources say the NBA investigation found no evidence that the Clippers granted Robertson any of the improper requests.
According to sources, Robertson asked for part ownership of the team, a private plane that would be available at all times, a house and a guaranteed amount of off-court endorsement money they could expect if Leonard signed with their team. Robertson made those requests repeatedly to Jeanie Buss over the course of three phone calls.
The discussions with Robertson led Buss to suspect the Lakers were being used for leverage to help him get what he wanted from the Clippers. Sources say Robertson made similar requests to the Raptors.
The NBA subsequently doubled their fines for tampering while also re-emphasizing its ability to conduct random audits.
“This is because of Dennis. He didn’t know the rules,” said one agent.
Said one owner: “This (league-wide discussion) is all because of Uncle Dennis.”
