NBA finds no proof Steve Ballmer funneled money to Kawhi Leonard
The NBA has found no evidence that LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funneled money through team sponsors to pay Kawhi Leonard in order to circumvent the salary cap.
Instead, the league is now examining whether the franchise violated rules by introducing the two-time Finals MVP to corporate partners.
Investigators are considering if the Western Conference organisation is guilty of a failure to supervise its employees.
It remains unclear exactly which regulations may have been breached or what potential penalties could be applied.
Expanded investigation into sponsor links
The 11-month inquiry initially centred on the forward’s relationship with Aspiration, a now-defunct green banking firm.
However, the probe eventually broadened to include at least three other companies that held commercial deals with the Los Angeles outfit.
Despite this widened scope, league officials have presented no proof that the billionaire owner illicitly channelled funds to his star player.
Initial findings were delivered to the franchise in late July by the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.
Ongoing discussions and franchise defence
Both sides have engaged in spirited negotiations in recent days to reach a resolution.
The discussions are being led by NBA general counsel Rick Buchanan and legal representatives for the franchise.
A spokesperson for the Clippers declined to comment directly on the ongoing talks but vigorously defended their corporate practices.
Making introductions between players and team partners is both an ordinary practice by NBA teams and a common request of players and representatives.
The team also stated that they did not dictate the terms of any individual endorsement agreements.
Roots of the salary cap probe
The investigation was triggered following previous reports that the former Microsoft chief executive invested $50m (£38m) into Aspiration in late 2021.
During the same period, the banking firm signed a $300m (£228m) partnership to become a founding partner of the team’s new arena.
Months later, Aspiration agreed a $28m (£21m) endorsement contract with the six-time All-Star.
Allegations later surfaced from a former employee suggesting the sponsorship was specifically designed to bypass financial restrictions.