Overview
- Multiple outlets reported on Monday, Aug. 17, that ESPN said the NBA found no evidence owner Steve Ballmer funneled sponsor money to Kawhi Leonard, but the league issued a statement saying the article contained “numerous and significant inaccuracies.”
- The independent, 11‑month Wachtell Lipton investigation began with allegations about a $28 million Aspiration deal and has expanded to examine at least three other companies, including Daktronics and Boingo Wireless, with the firm presenting initial findings to the Clippers in late July.
- The Clippers have denied funneling money, saying they only introduced players to business partners and that endorsements were negotiated by the player and his representatives, while Ballmer has warned he would pursue arbitration if the league issued a circumvention finding.
- The trade that would send Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors, agreed in principle on June 30, remains on hold because Toronto refuses to accept the risk of any penalties until the investigation is resolved.
- Any league discipline could include fines, loss of draft picks, voided contracts or suspensions, but those outcomes are subject to CBA arbitration and appeals, a process that could push final resolution into 2027 and materially affect the teams and people involved.