The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to emerge from an ongoing NBA investigation without penalties related to a sponsorship arrangement involving Kawhi Leonard and former team sponsor Aspiration, according to sources. Multiple sources outside the organization share the team’s belief that the league will not uncover wrongdoing in the matter.
The NBA is investigating whether the Clippers circumvented the salary cap by facilitating a $28 million endorsement contract between Leonard and Aspiration. The league seeks proof that the Clippers explicitly requested Aspiration provide the deal so Leonard could earn additional income outside the salary cap.
Leonard received a four-year, $28 million contract from Aspiration in 2022 that did not require him to perform any work. While the document outlined expectations, a clause gave Leonard final refusal on anything he didn’t want to do.
Aspiration, now bankrupt, served as a Clippers team sponsor before the arrangement. Owner Steve Ballmer made a $50 million investment in the environmental firm in 2021, with subsequent investments from Ballmer and minority owner Dennis J. Wong.
The Clippers remain steadfast in their insistence they did nothing wrong in their dealings with Aspiration. Team sources emphasized their confidence that the investigation will not reveal any salary cap violations.
The investigation comes amid a disastrous season for the Clippers, who sit at 6-16 despite entering the year as title contenders. The team has dealt with multiple injuries, roster upheaval including the departure of Chris Paul, and significant losing stretches.
The NBA has not announced a timeline for concluding its investigation. The league must establish direct evidence that the Clippers orchestrated Leonard’s endorsement deal to circumvent salary cap restrictions.