NBA and Clippers negotiate potential settlement regarding Aspiration investigation
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 5:02 PM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026

The NBA continues its year-long investigation into whether the Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer violated salary cap regulations through a sponsorship deal with Aspiration. While the investigation remains open, legal representatives for the league and the team are currently engaged in settlement discussions. According to reports, these talks center on failure to supervise communications rather than direct evidence of cap circumvention. The outcome of these negotiations carries significant weight, as the league seeks a resolution that avoids a lengthy arbitration process while preventing other teams from attempting similar financial maneuvers. This situation has stalled a trade involving Kawhi Leonard and the Raptors, creating urgency as training camps approach in about one month.
- •The NBA probe into the Clippers and Aspiration began in September 2025.
- •Settlement talks focus on failure to supervise rather than direct salary cap circumvention.
- •A potential settlement could include fines, suspensions, or the loss of future draft picks.
- •The investigation has delayed a trade that would send Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors.
- •Parties face pressure to reach a resolution before training camps open next month.
- 5:02 PMYahoo Sports — Where do things stand with Clippers, Kawhi Leonard, Aspiration investigation? League, Ballmer talking
"While there could be momentum towards a settlement, finding one will be difficult.
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