• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 23, 2025

Torre: Key Phrases Missing in Clippers’ Pushback on Kawhi Deal

The Clippers issued an expanded statement Wednesday night, which reporter Pablo Torre questioned.

Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The Clippers issued an expanded statement Wednesday denying that the organization or owner Steve Ballmer circumvented the NBA’s salary cap. The team said it was “absurd” to suggest Ballmer invested in sustainable service company Aspiration to funnel money to Kawhi Leonard.

“There is nothing unusual or untoward about team sponsors doing endorsement deals with players on the same team. Neither Steve nor the Clippers organization had any oversight of Kawhi’s independent endorsement agreement with Aspiration. To say otherwise is flat-out wrong,” the statement, shared by ESPN’s Shams Charania, read, in part.

The Clippers also said that neither the organization nor Ballmer was aware of fraudulent activity by Aspiration or its cofounder Joe Sanberg, who pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud last month. Aspiration was a team sponsor for two seasons (2021–22 and 2022–23) “before defaulting on its contract.”

However, Pablo Torre, host of Pablo Torre Finds Out, which published the podcast episode investigating the Clippers, has some questions about the content of the statement.

Torre posted on X that the Clippers’ new statement did not include the phrase that the allegations were “provably false,” which was in the original statement the organization issued to Torre on Tuesday, the day before the podcast episode was published.

He also questioned what the team meant when it said Ballmer and the organization did not have any “oversight” of Leonard’s deal with Aspiration.

The NBA issued its own statement Wednesday saying it has commenced an investigation following Torre’s report. 

Endorsement deals are allowed under the league’s CBA, though circumvention of the salary cap may be evaluated when the compensation “is substantially in excess of the fair market value of any services.” 

Torre’s reporting, which included conversations with seven former Aspiration employees, said that Leonard was paid $28 million over four years despite not fulfilling any endorsements for Aspiration. He was also paid exponentially more than Aspiration’s other celebrity endorsers.

Mark Cuban Weighs In

Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban quote-tweeted Torre’s report, saying he is on “Team Ballmer.” He pointed the finger at Aspiration for being a “scammer.” 

“It’s sad that @PabloTorre didn’t take the time to find out how these scammers pulled off their scam. The idea that the default is Ballmer is the bad guy is going to back fire on him,” Cuban posted.

Torre then responded to Cuban, asking whether he wanted to come on his show to discuss the reporting and answer some questions as well. On Thursday, Cuban posted again, thanking Torre for having him on: “How long did we talk, almost 3 hours ? Really enjoyed it.”

Torre was previously called out by Bill Simmons for reporting on Bill Belichick, Jordon Hudson, and UNC—and appeared on The Bill Simmons Podcast a week later to discuss his reporting.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 21, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) keeps the ball away from Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the second half at Paycom Center

NBA’s NBC Return Draws 5.9M Viewers, Best Opener Since 2010

Thunder vs. Rockets peaked at 7.1 million viewers.
Brian Windhorst

Brian Windhorst Details Emergency Landing on Omaha–L.A. Flight

The pilots and flight attendants had a communication issue.
Malik Beasley

After NBA Gambling Arrests, Where Does Malik Beasley Stand?

Beasley was in line to receive a three-year deal from the Pistons.
Chicago Bulls

NBA Betting Scandal Goes Far Beyond Terry Rozier and Damon Jones

A federal indictment suggests information about several teams was being sold.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
Tom Dundon
exclusive

Sale of Trail Blazers to Tom Dundon Will Take Multiple Years to..

Dundon is buying the team at a $4.25 billion valuation.
October 16, 2025

For Yankees, It May Be ‘Business As Usual,’ but Title Drought Lingers

GM Brian Cashman says a salary cap is not at the forefront of his mind.
October 18, 2025

Financial Behemoth Dodgers Win NL Pennant, Eye History

The biggest spenders would be MLB’s first repeat champion in 25 years.
Sponsored

Michelle Wie West: Women’s Sports Doesn’t Need Charity

The LPGA legend on redefining women’s sports and the future of golf.
Jun 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Mercedes driver George Russell (63) and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) celebrate their first and third place at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
October 15, 2025

Mercedes F1 Team Rides With Russell, Antonelli Despite Verstappen Link

Russell took the Formula One seat at Mercedes in 2021.
October 13, 2025

RAJ Sports Withdraws Lawsuit Over Trail Blazers Stake

RAJ Sports had sued the Cherng family, owner of Panda Express.
October 13, 2025

Titans Turnover: Brian Callahan Firing Adds to Pattern of Instability

Tennessee fired coach Brian Callahan six games into his second season.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) throws as quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on during rookie minicamp May 9, 2025, in Berea.
October 9, 2025

Browns Paying $41.6M to 8 QBs, but Only 2 Are on Their..

Cleveland traded Joe Flacco to the Bengals this week.