NBA Launching Investigation Into Possible Cap Circumvention By Clippers

[RealGM Wiretap]

The NBA is launching an investigation into allegations that Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers committed a salary cap circumvention violation.

“We are aware of this morning’s media report regarding the LA Clippers and are commencing an investigation,” said NBA spokesman Mike Bass.

Leonard allegedly received an endorsement deal worth $28 million over four years from a company with ties to Steve Ballmer.

The NBA previously conduced an investigation into Leonard and the Clippers in 2019 after he signed with the franchise in free agency. 

Via Shams Charania/ESPN

[Kingsway_fan]

Balmer should forfeit several #1 picks AND THE Kawhi PAYOUT VOIDED. CORRUPTION AT it worst.

[bjamm]

No wonder that trade went through overnight. They probably registered the LLC the next morning and paid him in full. Thats why they let him sit or he'll rat them out for paying him under the table.

[Vegeta10176]

Anyone else think the nbas investigation was a sham.. Completely bs.. They are so weak they have investigation clear ppl then others investigate and find them guilty as hell.. Whether it be a private investigation or the police.. NBA investigations are not worth the paper they are written on or the computer they are typed on..

[SkynMan]

I feel like this is part of the reason Masai Ujiri retired

[TheCage4]

Without concrete evidence, say a document that actually lays out the "deal," there is nothing here other than hearsay. I'll venture to guess that nothing comes of this other than the suspicion that Ballmer did a dirty deal, which is nothing new when it comes to big business.

[objectivefan]

I feel like this is part of the reason Masai Ujiri retired

He did retire, he was not "retained"

[t-rexCity]

This happens often and is normal in the NBA but usually they keep it hush hush. But when the player doesn't play or win or produce then yeah this sort of thing happens. Someone gets unhappy because their investment didn't work out and they take everyone down with them.

[fuller4379]

Kawhi should be suspended for a year without pay but still have his salary count against the Clippers cap.