Back to MomentsdevelopingNBA•controversy•Updated 8/12/2026, 3:46:00 PM
Kawhi Leonard & Clippers Salary Cap Scandal
Pablo Torre conducted an investigation into allegations that the Clippers bypassed the salary cap by securing multi-million dollar, no-show promotional deals for Kawhi Leonard with companies such as Aspiration and Daktronics.
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Reviewed by Unleeshed editorsInvestigation Unfolds Over Clippers Possibly Circumventing NBA Salary Cap for Kawhi Leonard
- 1An ongoing NBA investigation probes whether the Los Angeles Clippers bypassed salary cap rules by securing multi-million dollar no-show endorsement deals for Kawhi Leonard with companies like Aspiration and Daktronics, allegedly funneling extra money to Leonard.
- 2The NBA hired the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to lead the investigation starting in September 2025, focusing on whether Leonard's $28 million endorsement deal and an additional $20 million in Aspiration equity were used to circumvent salary cap limits.
- 3The Clippers and Leonard deny wrongdoing; the team remains adamant it did not funnel payments through Aspiration and is prepared to contest any findings or penalties, including arbitration if necessary.
- 4As of mid-2026, the investigation has delayed Kawhi Leonard's trade to the Toronto Raptors, with the Raptors waiting for the investigation's outcome before finalizing the deal to avoid contract risks.
- 5Sources suggest the investigation could extend into 2027 if parties do not agree on findings or settlement; the NBA Players Association is ready to arbitrate if penalties occur without sufficient evidence.
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