League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

NBA clears Clippers in Kawhi Leonard salary cap investigation

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 5:12 PM

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

NBA clears Clippers in Kawhi Leonard salary cap investigation

Summary

The NBA has concluded its investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers regarding salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard. The findings determined that there was no evidence of illegal monetary connections between team owner Steve Ballmer and Leonard, who faced scrutiny over a reported endorsement deal. This clears the final barrier for Leonard's trade to the Toronto Raptors, which had been on hold since July. The Clippers emphasized that linking players with businesses is common practice in the NBA.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•NBA investigation into Clippers concludes with no violations found.
•Kawhi Leonard's trade to Toronto is now cleared to proceed.
•The probe lasted nearly one year and examined multiple endorsements.
•Both Leonard and Ballmer denied any allegations of wrongdoing.
•Clippers state that connecting players with business partners is standard.

Latest Updates

5:12 PMYahoo Sports — We now know the NBA's verdict on Clippers' Kawhi Leonard salary cap investigation

What they're saying

"
The NBA clears the Clippers of cap circumvention, removing the final hurdle freezing Kawhi Leonard's blockbuster trade to the Toronto Raptors.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Dallas Mavericks Houston Rockets Los Angeles Clippers Toronto Raptors NBA Basketball