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4h ago

Clippers Said to Have Initiated Kawhi Leonard’s $48 Million Aspiration Deal

The report contradicts Steve Ballmer’s public account during the league’s independent investigation.

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Oct 15, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) stands during the playing of the national anthem before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Oct 14, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer reacts in the game against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The NBA retained Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to examine whether the Aspiration endorsement functioned as a cap‑circumventing, no‑show arrangement.
  • Aspiration executives told the Wall Street Journal that Joe Sanberg said the Clippers approached him about a Leonard deal and called it important to the team.
  • The four‑year package totaled roughly $48 million, combining $20 million in stock and $28 million in cash with autograph signings, meet‑and‑greets, community events, and an eight‑hour shoot.
  • Company records and executives describe canceled campaigns, unpaid bills, and minimal promotional work by Leonard as Aspiration’s finances deteriorated.
  • No discipline has been announced, potential penalties range from fines and draft‑pick losses to voiding Leonard’s contract, and Leonard played in the preseason.