The NBA is set to announce its ruling on Kawhi Leonard's Aspiration deal after the All-Star Game.
The NBA is reviewing the controversial endorsement deal between Kawhi Leonard and the now-bankrupt sustainability company Aspiration Partners.
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Per The Athletic, a decision on the matter is expected after the NBA All-Star Game this weekend, which Steve Ballmer will host at the new Intuit Dome.
Leonard registered his limited liability company in November 2021, and his $28 million contract with Aspiration took effect in April 2022. By December 2022, Aspiration was reportedly running low on funds.
Clippers minority owner Dennis J. Wong invested $2 million into the company, which allowed it to pay Leonard $1.75 million, covering his quarterly payments under the contract.
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Ballmer later contributed another $10 million during a fundraising round, in which Wong was the only new investor.
The NBA's investigation, led by law firm Wachtell, is examining whether the deal could have skirted league salary cap rules.
Investigative reporter Pablo Torre has described Leonard's endorsement agreement with Aspiration as a "no-show" deal. Documents obtained by Torre suggest the arrangement may have allowed Leonard to receive tens of millions outside of standard NBA salary structures.
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