Overview
- The NBA has commissioned an independent review into claims that the Los Angeles Clippers provided off‑books benefits to Kawhi Leonard, and the league says the inquiry is still open.
- Toronto and Los Angeles reportedly agreed on a trade package to send Leonard back to the Raptors, but the Raptors cannot finalize the swap until the NBA either clears the parties or decides on discipline.
- Some outlets have reported investigators found no evidence implicating owner Steve Ballmer or that the probe is finished, but the NBA has publicly disputed parts of those accounts and maintained the investigation continues.
- The probe examines alleged arrangements linked to an Aspiration payment, a Daktronics claim and other benefits, and sources note bankruptcy and litigation tied to Aspiration complicate evidence gathering.
- Any punishment could include fines, lost draft picks or suspensions and would be subject to CBA arbitration and a three‑person appeals panel, a process that could stretch resolution and roster uncertainty into 2027.