NBA investigates Kawhi Leonard’s aspiration deal

Kawhi Leonard has categorically denied allegations that he signed a “sham” deal with the now-bankrupt company Aspiration to help the Los Angeles Clippers circumvent the salary cap.

At the Clippers’ media day, the superstar spoke publicly for the first time following a report by the podcast Pablo Torre, Finds Out, which linked his collaboration with Aspiration to a potential $28 million transfer from team owner Steve Ballmer, CE Report quotes ANA-MPA.

“I don’t deal with headlines and conspiracy theories,” Leonard said. “For me, the season is all that matters. Training starts tomorrow, and we’re looking ahead.”

The NBA is investigating the case, with Ballmer claiming he knew nothing, although he had introduced Leonard to Aspiration in 2021. Around the same time, the Clippers announced a $300 million partnership with the company, while Leonard signed a four-year, $173 million contract.

Responding to questions about his own agreement, Leonard was firm: “I fully understand my contract and the obligations I had. It’s not true that I did nothing. It’s just old. The company went bankrupt a long time ago, and we knew we would end up here.”

Aspiration filed for bankruptcy in March, and its co-founder, Joe Sanberg, was arrested for fraud against investors. Leonard confirmed that the company owes him over $7 million.

Finally, both Leonard and Ballmer maintained that no wrongdoing occurred and welcomed the NBA’s scrutiny: “The League will do its job. There’s no illegality. We welcome the investigation. It will not be a distraction for me or the team.”