Kawhi Leonard's Hall of Fame credentials face a new obstacle following the Los Angeles Clippers' salary cap scandal. Former NBA player Eddie Johnson believes voters will delay Leonard's induction for years as a consequence of the league's investigation.
Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, the 17-year veteran delivered a harsh verdict. Johnson stated Leonard will not be a first or even second-ballot selection. "I just truly believe that they’re gonna blackball him for about three or four years before he gets voted in," Johnson said. He added that Leonard will eventually get in, but voters will "make him sweat."
This prediction comes despite Leonard's elite basketball resume. He is a two-time NBA champion, a two-time Finals MVP, and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. Those achievements typically guarantee first-ballot status. Johnson argued the controversy will cloud the voting process. "It’s not gonna be cut and dried, and it’s gonna show when guys that he played with get in before he does."
The NBA's investigation lasted nearly a year. It found the Clippers helped arrange off-court income for Leonard with companies linked to the team. The penalties were severe. The franchise was fined $30 million and lost five first-round draft picks from 2029 to 2033. Owner Steve Ballmer received a one-year suspension, and other executives were also suspended.
Leonard himself was fined $700,000. He was not suspended, and his NBA contract remained valid. The scandal's fallout continues with a separate federal criminal probe. That investigation is in early stages with no charges filed.
Leonard's time with the Clippers is over. He was traded to the Toronto Raptors. Los Angeles received Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, a pick swap, and two second-round picks. Fans noted the team did not post a traditional social media thank you to Leonard after his seven years.
He now returns to Toronto, where he won the 2019 championship. The Clippers, meanwhile, are handling a challenging period. Their recent form shows two wins and three losses in their last five games. They most recently fell to the Denver Nuggets 120-101 on May 3, 2025. That loss followed a 111-105 win over the same opponent just a day earlier.
The team's playoff series against Denver was a rollercoaster. Results included a 131-115 loss on April 30 and a narrow 99-101 defeat on April 26. They also posted a dominant 117-83 victory on April 25. Johnson's comments suggest the off-court scandal will linger long after Leonard's on-court play ends. His Hall of Fame case will be debated for years, potentially delayed by the events of his Clippers tenure.
