Kawhi Leonard addresses penalties following NBA investigation into Los Angeles Clippers
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 8:47 PM
Last updated Sep 2, 2026

Kawhi Leonard released a statement regarding penalties issued by the NBA following an investigation into salary cap circumvention involving the Los Angeles Clippers. The investigation focused on contract clauses tied to a company called Aspiration, an entity invested in by team owner Steve Ballmer. Documents indicated that KL2 Aspire LLC, a company managed by Leonard, could decline actions desired by Aspiration while receiving payments contingent on his status as a player for the Clippers. Leonard denied personal knowledge of any intent to circumvent salary cap regulations and stated he accepts responsibility for lapses in judgment by members of his inner circle. With the league investigation now closed, the trade sending Leonard to the Toronto Raptors is expected to proceed. Leonard stated he is focused on his return to Toronto and moving forward.
- •The NBA concluded an investigation into salary cap circumvention by the Los Angeles Clippers.
- •Kawhi Leonard denied personal knowledge of any intent to bypass league salary cap rules.
- •Contract clauses linked payments for Leonard to his continued tenure with the Clippers.
- •The trade of Leonard to the Toronto Raptors can now proceed.
- •Leonard cited lapses in judgment by his inner circle regarding the deal.
- 9:22 PMYahoo Sports — Can the Clippers appeal NBA penalties after Kawhi Leonard investigation ends?
- 8:47 PMYahoo Sports — What Kawhi Leonard said after NBA investigation ends with penalties
"Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles Clippers have been given some serious penalties after the NBA's investigation. Can they appeal?
"Kawhi Leonard broke his silence as the NBA investigation over salary cap circumvention involving the Los Angeles Clippers ended.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 9:22 PMCan the Clippers appeal NBA penalties after Kawhi Leonard investigation ends?
Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles Clippers have been given some serious penalties after the NBA's investigation. Can they appeal?
- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 8:47 PMWhat Kawhi Leonard said after NBA investigation ends with penalties
Kawhi Leonard broke his silence as the NBA investigation over salary cap circumvention involving the Los Angeles Clippers ended.
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