The NBA is looking into a report that Clippers star Kawhi Leonard allegedly signed a $28 million no-show marketing agreement to circumvent the salary cap.
“We are aware of this morning’s media report regarding the LA Clippers and are commencing an investigation,” NBA spokesperson Mike Bass told The Post in a statement.
The allegations came to light in a Wednesday episode of the “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast, which reported that a San Francisco-based, environmental start-up company — partially funded by a $50 million investment from Clippers owner Steve Ballmer — named Aspiration had inked Leonard to a four-year endorsement deal.
But the deal was a “no-show job” that was designed to help get around the league’s salary cap, according to the podcast’s report.
Torre said he spoke with seven former Aspiration employees who used to work in the finance department, who told him the deal was viewed as a way for the NBA franchise to circumvent the cap.
“My reaction was, ‘What the f–k?’” one source told Torre. “I was told, ‘Oh, these are the major contracts and the major players you really need to be aware of.’ We went through a litany of really, really top-tier name contracts and then, oh, by the way, we also have a marketing deal with Kawhi Leonard, a $28 million organic marketing sponsorship with Kawhi. And I have had any questions about it, essentially don’t because it was to circumvent the salary cap lol. There was lots of lol when things were shared.”
The Clippers have denied the accusations and released a statement to The Athletic on Wednesday reiterating that position.
“Neither Mr. Ballmer nor the Clippers circumvented the salary-cap or engaged in any misconduct related to Aspiration,” the statement to the outlet said. “Any contrary assertion is provably false: The team ended its relationship with Aspiration years ago, during the 2022-23 season, when Aspiration defaulted on its obligations. Neither the Clippers nor Mr. Ballmer was aware of any improper activity by Aspiration or its co-founder until after the government instituted its investigation.
“The team and Mr. Ballmer stand ready to assist law enforcement in any way they can.”
The Clippers had landed Leonard in 2019 when he signed a four-year, $141 million deal.
He then re-signed with the Clippers on a four-year deal in 2021 before inking another three-year deal that will keep him in Los Angeles through the 2026-27 season.
The marketing deal began during the first re-signing period, according to the report.