Overview
- ESPN reporting on Wednesday says owner Steve Ballmer has told other teams the Clippers will not trade Kawhi Leonard and plan to build around him.
- Commissioner Adam Silver said the NBA is close to finishing an investigation into possible off‑book payments connected to Aspiration that involve Leonard and the Clippers.
- Reporting alleges roughly $28 million flowed through the now‑bankrupt company Aspiration to Leonard, and the probe will assess whether that violated salary‑cap rules.
- Leonard delivered a career‑best 2025–26 season, averaging 27.9 points and earning All‑NBA Second Team honors, which raises his on‑court value but also the cost of any trade.
- The Clippers appear to be holding off on offering a two‑year, $126 million extension while the probe proceeds, and the outcome could trigger fines, roster penalties or suspensions that affect both contract and trade plans.