Controversial Payment to Kawhi Leonard Raises Questions
The Los Angeles Clippers, along with owner Steve Ballmer, face allegations regarding a payment of $28 million to all-star forward Kawhi Leonard. This payment is said to be for a “no-show job,” seemingly aimed at circumventing the NBA’s salary cap regulations.
Sports journalist Pablo Torre brought this issue to light in a recent broadcast, citing legal documents and asserting that Leonard was compensated through a now-defunct tree planting company called Aspiration. Specifically, Torre reported that the Clippers signed a $28 million agreement with Leonard’s KL2 Aspire, LLC, and suggested that this violates NBA financial rules as it exceeds what he should be earning.
The contract granted Leonard the option to “refuse to take any action the company desires.” Torre mentioned that he found no indications that Leonard had actually participated in any business with the firm, raising further questions. Moreover, a clause purportedly stated that Leonard would only receive this payment if he remained with the Clippers.
According to Torre, one former employee of Aspiration, who opted to remain anonymous, described the arrangement as a way to sidestep the salary cap restrictions.
In their defense, the Clippers issued a statement asserting that neither Ballmer nor the organization engaged in any misconduct or attempts to evade the salary cap. They firmly disagreed with arguments suggesting otherwise.
The agreement between KL2 Aspire LLC and Aspiration was facilitated by Dennis Robertson, an advisor to Leonard, who has a controversial past involving NBA investigations. While he was previously scrutinized, it was concluded that he did not commit any violations concerning illegal benefits during the free agency process.
The NBA confirmed that it’s looking into the matter. NBA spokesman Mike Bass informed reporters of the ongoing investigation into the Clippers’ dealings.
After becoming a highly coveted free agent, Leonard signed a substantial three-year, $104 million deal with the Clippers, which was later extended to a four-year, $176 million contract in 2021. In 2024, he received yet another extension worth $149 million.
Last season, at the age of 33, Leonard managed to play just 37 games due to ongoing knee issues, which became problematic during his training for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
