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NBA denies report claiming Clippers will not face punishment in investigation

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 3:48 AM

Last updated Aug 18, 2026

NBA denies report claiming Clippers will not face punishment in investigation

Summary

The NBA has refuted an ESPN report stating the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard will not be punished following a cap-circumvention investigation. Initiated 11 months ago due to concerns over a secret sponsorship deal involving Leonard, the investigation is still ongoing. NBA Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass emphasized in a statement that ESPN's article contains 'numerous and significant' inaccuracies. While ESPN claimed no proof of wrongdoing has been found, the NBA has yet to disclose its final conclusions regarding the matter.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•ESPN reported Clippers would not be penalized, but NBA disagrees.
•Investigation began following claims about Kawhi Leonard's sponsorship deal.
•NBA spokesman stated the investigation remains open and ongoing.
•Clippers maintain their actions were appropriate and within league guidelines.

Latest Updates

3:48 AMYahoo Sports — NBA refute ESPN report which claims Clippers will not be punished amid Kawhi Leonard investigation

What they're saying

"
ESPN’s revelation that the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard will walk away without punishment from their recent cap-circumvention investigation has been denied by the NBA. The NBA started its investigation into the Clippers and Kawhi for alleged cap circumvention 11 months ago, after journalist Pablo Torre revealed Kawhi’s secret sponsorship deal with Aspiration.
— Yahoo Sports

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