More problematic evidence has emerged in the allegations regarding the Los Angeles Clippers’ cap circumvention to pay Kawhi Leonard through environmental firm Aspiration.
According to the “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast, Aspiration was late on a payment of $1.75 million due to Leonard in December of 2022. Documents reveal the payment finally made only occurred after Clippers minority owner Dennis J. Wong made an investment of $1.99 million.
This is the most damning piece of evidence yet in a story that shows no signs of going away.
The NBA has begun an investigation into the Clippers organization, majority owner Steve Ballmer and Leonard.
All of this stems from a previous episode of the podcast where questionable details of the relationship among Aspiration, Ballmer and Leonard emerged. Ballmer had invested $50 million into the company in September 2021. That was quickly followed by Leonard obtaining a contract worth $28 million over four years that would not require any appearance or ad work on his part.
This deal appears all the more shady after a report emerged of Leonard making similar demands of the Toronto Raptors during his 2019 free agency. Leonard chose the Clippers and departed Toronto after one season in which he won a championship and Finals MVP.
Later that month, the Clippers announced Aspiration as the team’s new jersey and arena sponsor. The deal is worth $300 million over 23 years.
During an interview with ESPN, Ballmer firmly denied any and all allegations. He first purchased the team in 2014.
EXCLUSIVE: Kawhi Leonard’s $1.75M “no-show” payday was running late.
Then, per new documents obtained by @PabloTorre, the Clippers’ co-owner invested $1.99M in the team’s broke sponsor.
Nine days later, Kawhi got paid.
“It is beyond shocking,” an Aspiration executive says. pic.twitter.com/yxOYGfo3dZ
— Pablo Torre Finds Out (@pablofindsout) September 11, 2025
Clippers, Ballmer, Leonard Provide Silver With Big Test
Adam Silver has been extremely diplomatic, even lenient, for much of his tenure as commissioner. The only time he wielded an iron fist was for disgraced former Clippers owner Donald Sterling. That situation that demanded it.
This is steadily emerging as a seismic moment in league history. These allegations involve the league’s richest owner and a two-time Finals MVP.
“My powers are very broad,” Silver said when asked about the range of penalties he can impose. “Full range of financial penalties, draft picks, suspensions, etcetera, I have very broad powers in these situations.”
As a point of reference, the league faced a major cap circumvention scandal in 2000. Minnesota Timberwolves signed forward Joe Smith to three consecutive short-term contracts below market value. This was done under the promise Smith would receive a significant long-term deal once the team secured his Bird rights.
After the league’s investigation, Smith’s contract was voided and the Wolves were fined $5 million. They were also stripped of five first-round picks, though they did receive one back later.
There will be an innocent until proven guilty stance from Silver, based on his remarks.
“We and our investigators look at the totality of evidence,” Silver said. “I think whether mere appearance, just by the way those words read, I think as a matter of fundamental fairness, I would be reluctant to act if there was sort of a mere appearance of impropriety.”
Leonard’s Clippers Tenure A Living Nightmare
Leonard’s tenure with the Clippers won’t be looked back on fondly to this point. The team has only won three playoff series in his six seasons with the team. Los Angeles has also been eliminated in the first round each of the past three seasons.
The 34-year-old has played at least 60 games in a season just once during that time, including missing the entirety of 2021-22. He has been an All-Star just once the last four years
He is also widely reported to have forced the trade to acquire Paul George in exchange for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a slew of draft picks. Throw in this latest controversy and there will be many wondering if it was all worthwhile.
