• Loading stock data...
Saturday, October 4, 2025

Clippers, Kawhi Leonard Draw New Scrutiny As More Details Emerge

A report indicates that when Leonard was still with the Raptors, his representatives requested endorsement deals that would not require the All-Star to provide any services.

Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Nearly a week has passed since journalist Pablo Torre dropped a bombshell report about the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard, alleging that the team circumvented the salary cap to pay the six-time All-Star an additional $28 million over four years.

The NBA has since said that it has launched an investigation and has even hired an external law firm.

But as the sports world awaits the NBA’s verdict, additional details have come out about the Clippers and their relationship with Aspiration, the now bankrupt sustainability firm that allegedly paid Leonard, as well as Leonard and his camp’s prior dealings when still a member of the Raptors.

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, who conducted the first public interview with Clippers owner Steve Ballmer following Torre’s report, said Monday on NBA Today that Aspiration bid almost double what Intuit paid for the naming rights to the Clippers’ new arena, the Intuit Dome. 

Intuit, a financial software company whose products include TurboTax and QuickBooks, paid $550 million for the arena, which the Clippers first used this past season.

Shelburne says that Ballmer, who, according to Torre’s report, invested $50 million in Aspiration, explained that the Clippers chose Intuit because it was a “long-standing company.” The Clippers have said that they had sponsorship deals with Aspiration for two seasons (2021–22 and 2022–23). 

“But that gives you an indication of the kind of money that [Aspiration] was throwing around back in those days,” Shelburne said.

The Clippers said in a statement following the report that neither the team nor Ballmer had “any oversight” of the endorsement deal Leonard made with Aspiration. Torre said that he spoke to seven former Aspiration employees in his report. One source, who consented to their interview being aired with a distorted voice, said that Leonard’s deal with the company was so the Clippers could circumvent the NBA’s salary cap.

In his interview with Shelburne, Ballmer pointed the finger at Aspiration, saying they “conned” him.

“I made an investment in these guys thinking it was on the up-and-up, and they conned me at this stage. I have no ability to predict why they might have done anything they did, let alone the specific contract with Kawhi,” Ballmer said.

Boston Sports Journal reported last week that Aspiration paid an additional $20 million to Leonard in shares of the company, bringing his total endorsement deal to $48 million, just $2 million shy of Ballmer’s investment.

Revisiting Toronto

Leonard’s alleged deal with Aspiration may have some precedence. Back in 2019, reports surfaced that Leonard’s uncle, Dennis Robertson, who also represents him in many business deals, had several demands for his nephew’s services—including part ownership, which is not allowed under the NBA CBA.

On Tuesday, the Toronto Star reported that one of the requests was for the Raptors to match at least $10 million annually in additional sponsorship income. Teams are not allowed to negotiate endorsement deals for players, only introduce them to team sponsors (which is what Ballmer claims the Clippers did with Leonard and Aspiration).

The Toronto Star also reported that Leonard’s representatives said the All-Star would not shoot any content or make media appearances for sponsors. This “no-show” setup is similar to the arrangement between Leonard and Aspiration reported by Torre.

Leonard played just one season in Toronto (2018–19), leading the franchise to its first and only NBA title. He would sign with the Clippers on a three-year, $103 million contract. After declining a player-option in 2021, Leonard signed a four-year, $176.3 million deal.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Sep 23, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars forward Adam Erne (76) looks on during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center
exclusive

Dallas Stars Eyeing Possible Move to Plano in 2031

The team needs to figure out where they’ll play starting in 2031.
Signs promoting the FIFA World Cup Final coming to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Wednesday Feb. 7, 2024. The World Cup is held every four years and the 2026 World Cup Final match will be played at MetLife Stadium.

High Ticket Prices Define First World Cup Presale

Most fans weren’t picked for the pricey first presale window.

Featured Today

Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe hits out of the rough on the first hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 25, 2025

Ryder Cup in New York: Record-Setting Hopes and Fan Concerns

Organizers anticipate record attendance and revenue, but worry remains about fan behavior.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 22: Cameron Young of Team USA hits his tee shot on the third hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup Practice Round at Bethpage State Park on Monday, September 22, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 23, 2025

U.S. Ryder Cup Players Will Be Paid. Not Everyone Is Pleased

Americans are receiving a $200,000 stipend, and not everyone is pleased.

Cardinals Vow Changes Coming After Historic Attendance Drop

A stalwart franchise looks to correct an alarming slide in attendance.
Jun 12, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) and relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) celebrate after defeating the Washington Nationals at Citi Field.
September 29, 2025

Two of the Mets’ Biggest Stars Could Dictate Important Offseason

The Mets missed the playoffs despite having one of baseball’s highest payrolls.
September 30, 2025

Tyreek Hill’s Injury Complicates Financial Future With Dolphins

Releasing the receiver after this season would cost $28 million.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
September 29, 2025

Mariners to End 37-Year RSN Run, Join MLB’s In-House Media Model

The Mariners-owned regional sports network is shutting down operations.
September 25, 2025

Celtics Owner Bill Chisholm: Boston Should Have a WNBA Team

Chisholm spoke to reporters Thursday for the first time as Celtics owner.
Aug 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello calls out a play in the second half to her team against the Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center.
September 25, 2025

Liberty GM Defends Controversial Brondello Firing

Kolb said he has confidence that the team’s stars will return.
Apr 29, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New Jersey Devils center Michael McLeod (20) during the first period against the New York Rangers in game six of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
September 23, 2025

Rumors of Canes Interest in Hockey Canada Trial Players Provokes Fan Backlash

Hurricanes fans are threatening to boycott if Carolina signs the acquitted players.