The Los Angeles Clippers have strongly denied allegations of salary cap circumvention involving owner Steve Ballmer and star forward Kawhi Leonard. The NBA has refuted an ESPN report claiming Ballmer funneled money to Leonard through sponsors, stating the investigation remains ongoing. The Clippers last played on May 3, 2025, losing 120-101 to the Denver Nuggets, and have since gone 2-3 in their last five games (LLWWL).
What did ESPN report?
ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr., Baxter Holmes, and Ramona Shelburne reported that the NBA found no evidence Ballmer directly paid Leonard through sponsors. However, the league is still investigating whether introducing Leonard to these sponsors violated NBA rules. The report suggested the Clippers may have arranged sponsorships to compensate Leonard outside his contract.
How did the NBA respond?
The NBA issued a statement calling ESPN's report "inaccurate," emphasizing that the investigation is not yet complete. Chief communications officer Mike Bass said, "The results will be made clear once the investigation concludes." The league declined to cooperate with ESPN for the story, raising questions about its credibility.
What did the Clippers say?
The Los Angeles Clippers released a statement denying any wrongdoing. They acknowledged introducing Leonard to sponsors but insisted they did not funnel money to him or arrange compensation on their behalf. The team emphasized compliance with NBA rules, stating, "We have always operated within the league's guidelines."
What happens next?
The NBA's investigation into the Clippers' sponsorship practices remains ongoing. If violations are found, the team could face fines or loss of draft picks. Meanwhile, the Clippers focus on improving their recent form, which includes two consecutive losses. Fans can track their upcoming schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
