NBA finds no evidence of salary cap violations in Kawhi Leonard sponsor case

The NBA has concluded its investigation into allegations that Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer used sponsors to pay star player Kawhi Leonard, bypassing salary cap rules. According to an ESPN report citing anonymous sources, the league found no evidence of such circumvention.

However, the NBA pushed back on ESPN's reporting, stating the article contained "numerous and significant inaccuracies" regarding the 11-month probe. The league emphasized that the final results of the investigation will only be made public once the inquiry is officially concluded.

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The ESPN article regarding the LA Clippers investigation, which the NBA declined to cooperate with, contains numerous and significant inaccuracies.

The ESPN report suggested the investigation extended beyond Aspiration, an initial sponsor linked to Leonard's financial dealings, and involved at least three other firms that had sponsorship ties with the Clippers. Despite these connections, the report indicated no proof that Ballmer, one of the world's wealthiest individuals, funneled money to Leonard through these companies.

NBA spokesperson Mike Bass issued a statement after the ESPN report's publication, asserting the league "declined to cooperate" with the reporting. He reiterated that the investigation's outcome would become clear upon its completion. Aspiration, now bankrupt, had previously signed a sponsorship deal with the Clippers, and Leonard had a separate sponsorship contract with the company until 2022.

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The results of this matter will become clear once the investigation has concluded.