Overview
- On Monday multiple outlets reported that ESPN had been told the NBA found no proof that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funneled sponsor money to Kawhi Leonard, a claim the league disputes.
- The NBA issued a terse statement saying the ESPN story contains “numerous and significant inaccuracies” and that final results will be clear only after the independent Wachtell Lipton investigation concludes.
- The Clippers have denied wrongdoing, saying they merely introduced players to business partners and did not negotiate or set endorsement terms for Leonard.
- The proposed trade sending Leonard to the Toronto Raptors remains on hold while the league and Clippers negotiate a resolution, leaving Toronto to wait because it would assume any risk from league penalties.
- Investigators widened the probe beyond Aspiration to include Daktronics and Boingo Wireless, and parties warn that any contested discipline would go to CBA arbitration and appeals, a process that could push finality into 2027.