Ballmer Calls for NBA Investigation Over Kawhi’s $28M Deal
UPDATE: In a critical development, LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has called for an NBA investigation into potential salary cap violations involving star player Kawhi Leonard. Ballmer’s comments come after allegations surfaced on a podcast by Pablo Torre, suggesting the Clippers circumvented salary cap rules linked to Leonard’s endorsement deal with now-bankrupt green banking firm Aspiration.
During his first interview since the allegations emerged, Ballmer stated, “I’d want the league to investigate, take it seriously.” The NBA has confirmed it will look into the claims, which include Leonard accepting a staggering $28 million endorsement from Aspiration while Ballmer had previously invested in the company.
Ballmer explained that he was introduced to Aspiration in November 2021, three months after the Clippers signed Leonard to a $173 million contract extension. He emphasized, “We just can’t be involved,” denying any influence over the endorsement deal.
The Clippers are already under scrutiny following the Department of Justice investigation into Aspiration, where co-founder Joe Sanberg recently pleaded guilty to wire fraud, defrauding investors of over $248 million. Ballmer expressed his disbelief at being misled, stating, “These were guys who committed fraud. Look, they conned me.”
While discussing the endorsement deal, Ballmer expressed surprise at its size, stating he was unaware of the specific terms and conditions. He affirmed, “I had no control over this company. I owned less than 3% of the company… it’s possible nobody had any control.” His admission reveals the complex web of business dealings that have emerged around Leonard’s endorsement.
The Clippers have faced similar allegations in the past. The NBA previously investigated Leonard’s free agency in 2019 due to claims made about his camp requesting benefits beyond standard negotiations. Although the league cleared the Clippers of wrongdoing, the ongoing scrutiny continues to raise questions about Leonard’s business relationships.
Ballmer acknowledged the mystery surrounding Leonard, saying, “I think because he relatively doesn’t speak much, there’s a lot of mystery around Kawhi.” He emphasized the Clippers’ commitment to compliance, stating, “We know the rules… they understand them as well.”
As the NBA begins its investigation, the implications for both the Clippers and Leonard could be significant. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for updates on this developing story. Ballmer concluded, “What’s most important to me is we’ve done the right thing in all those interactions.”
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation unfolds, impacting not only the Clippers but also the broader landscape of NBA operations and player endorsements.
