Text messages between late Los Angeles Clippers consultant Jerry West and intermediary Johnny Wilkes reveal extensive back-channel communications during the team’s pursuit of Kawhi Leonard in 2019, according to court documents obtained by The Washington Post. The messages show West coordinating with Wilkes, who had connections to Leonard’s uncle Dennis Robertson, in the days leading up to Leonard’s free agency decision.
Wilkes told West his services nudging Leonard to the Clippers would cost $2.5 million in a phone call days before the team’s pitch meeting, according to his deposition. West denied agreeing to the payment in his own deposition.
West texted Wilkes hours before the Clippers’ July 2019 meeting with Leonard to express gratitude. The messages provide insight into the informal negotiations that preceded Leonard’s decision.
“Just wanted to thank you for your help,” West wrote, according to messages viewed by The Post.
Wilkes responded with advice for the pitch meeting: “Please tell everyone to pitch life after basketball to Kawhi. That’s what he really wants to hear.”
West criticized the Lakers’ pitch to Leonard in messages with Wilkes and suggested Leonard would play second fiddle to LeBron James in Los Angeles.
“If he would go to the Lakers, he would be LeBron’s caddy,” West wrote.
“F— the Lakers,” Wilkes responded. “This is between you and Toronto.”
West checked in with Wilkes multiple times after the initial meeting. On July 4, West asked about Leonard’s timeline while noting he did not want to pressure Robertson.
“When can we expect a decision,” West asked. “Don’t want to be a pest and frankly don’t want to bother Dennis anymore, if you hear anything please let me know. Thank you for all your help.”
West relayed updates to owner Steve Ballmer throughout the process. Two days after that exchange, Leonard signed a three-year, $103.14 million contract with the Clippers.
The allegations sparked an NBA investigation that concluded the Clippers did not violate league tampering rules. Wilkes said in his deposition he informed Robertson of his payment proposal and offered him a cut.
Wilkes later sued the Clippers claiming they owed him money for his assistance. A judge dismissed the case, ruling Wilkes never formed a contract with the team.