Kawhi Leonard stated the allegation that he signed up for a no-show job with a now-bankrupt firm to assist the Los Angeles Clippers circumvent the wage cap is nothing however a conspiracy principle.
On the staff’s preseason media day on Monday, Leonard spoke publicly for the primary time since a report by the podcast “Pablo Torre Finds Out” linked an endorsement deal Leonard had with sustainability companies firm Aspiration to Clippers proprietor Steve Ballmer funnelling him an additional $28 million.
“It’s simple for me (to not be distracted),” Leonard stated.
“I don’t learn headlines or do conspiracy theories or something like that. It’s in regards to the season and what we’ve obtained forward of us proper now. Tomorrow we’ll begin camp, and see what we’ve obtained,” he added.
The NBA is now probing the deal, which Ballmer has claimed he had no information of, regardless of initially introducing Leonard to Aspiration in 2021. In September 2021, the Clippers introduced a $300 million partnership with Aspiration, across the identical time Leonard signed a four-year, $173 million extension with the Clippers.
Among the many questions Leonard confronted at his press convention on Monday was whether or not he knew what the endorsement deal required him to do.
ALSO READ | NBA: Lakers extends contract of coach JJ Redick after one season
“I perceive the complete contract and the companies I’ve to do. Like I stated, I don’t cope with the conspiracies or clickbait analysts or journalism that’s occurring. In order that’s what it’s,” Leonard stated.
He then said he disagreed with the notion he was not requested to do something as a part of the contract.
“I don’t assume it’s correct. However, it’s outdated,” Leonard stated. “That is all new to you guys. The corporate went bankrupt some time in the past, so we already knew this was going to occur.”
Aspiration filed for Chapter 11 chapter in March, and its co-founder, Joe Sanberg, was arrested on fees of defrauding traders.
Leonard confirmed not solely that the cope with Aspiration existed, however that he was owed “greater than” $7 million by the now-bankrupt group.
Like Ballmer earlier this month, Leonard stated he welcomed the NBA’s investigation.
“The NBA’s gonna do their job. None of us did any wrongdoing. And, yeah, that’s it. We invite the investigations. It’s not gonna be a distraction for me or the remainder of the staff,” Leonard stated.
Revealed on Sep 30, 2025