Overview
- ESPN reported Monday that investigators found no evidence owner Steve Ballmer funneled sponsor money to Kawhi Leonard, and the network said the league had presented those conclusions in recent talks.
- The independent Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz probe began in September 2025 and expanded beyond an alleged $28 million Aspiration deal to review relationships with Daktronics, Boingo Wireless and at least one other company, with initial findings shown to the Clippers in late July.
- The NBA issued a sharp public statement disputing key points of ESPN’s story and said the investigation remains open, while the Clippers have denied funneling money and defended routine introductions between players and team partners.
- Negotiations between the league, the Clippers and the NBPA are ongoing and have been described as spirited, with arbitration under the collective‑bargaining agreement remaining a live option that could delay final resolution and team roster moves.
- The paused trade sending Leonard to Toronto remains on hold because the Raptors declined to assume the risk of any outcome, and potential league penalties — which would be decided through CBA arbitration — could include fines, draft losses, suspensions or contract actions depending on what is proved.