The NBA's investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers continues, focusing on alleged salary cap circumvention via sponsorship deals. Despite the ongoing probe, confidence remains high that Leonard's trade to the Raptors will eventually be finalized before training camps open on September 28 with a possible outcome revealed.
The Kawhi Leonard Aspiration case is still yet to reach an official conclusion, as both the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors await whether their agreed trade will go through.
Sportsnet's Michael Grange revealed the most likely outcome to the famous investigation.
"The most likely outcome? A negotiated settlement where the NBA gets to enforce some version of its rules, Ballmer can save face and Leonard can play for the Raptors," Grange wrote.
In one of the most stunning developments in this year's offseason, Kawhi Leonard was dealt to the Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and picks heading back to the LA Clippers. While the investigation is still ongoing the trade has been suspended.
Despite the secrecy behind a possible resolution, Grange reported positive news for the trade ultimately happening.
"All along, there has been a quiet confidence that the trade would ultimately go forward and league business would be able to resume in time for training camps opening on Sept. 28."
Kawhi Leonard, RJ Barrett
Credit Canadian Press via ZUMA Press - Scanpix
New company emerges on Kawhi Leonard, Clippers salary cap circumvention scandal
The latest allegations add another layer to the NBA's ongoing investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers.
According to a report by Pablo Torre Finds Out, Leonard had a previously undisclosed multimillion-dollar sponsorship agreement with Daktronics, the company that manufactured the Halo Board at the Clippers’ Intuit Dome.
One source described the arrangement as a way of funneling money from the Clippers to Leonard outside the salary cap, although the allegation has not been proven. Daktronics said Leonard is not currently under contract with the company.
The new claims come on top of the already investigated $28 million endorsement deal between Leonard and Aspiration, a company backed financially by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. That deal drew scrutiny because Leonard was allegedly required to do little or no promotional work. The Clippers have repeatedly denied circumventing the salary cap.
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