NBA investigates Clippers over allegations tied to Kawhi Leonard endorsements
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 8, 2026, 6:00 PM
Last updated Aug 8, 2026
The NBA is investigating the Los Angeles Clippers amid allegations of salary-cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard. Reports surfaced regarding a multi-million-dollar endorsement deal with Daktronics, raising concerns about Leonard's earnings without related work. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith suggested potential severe penalties, including bans for Leonard and Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. The investigation could lead to significant consequences if the claims are validated.
- •Clippers face scrutiny over salary-cap circumvention allegations.
- •Kawhi Leonard reportedly had a $28 million endorsement from Aspiration.
- •New allegations involve a deal with Daktronics linked to Leonard.
- •Stephen A. Smith called for potential bans for Leonard and Ballmer.
- •NBA's findings could lead to fines and loss of draft picks.
- 6:00 PMYahoo Sports — Stephen A. Smith calls for one-year suspensions for Kawhi Leonard, Steve Ballmer
- 7:24 AMYahoo Sports — Stephen A. Smith calls for harsh NBA punishment including ‘year-long ban’ for Kawhi Leonard
- 3:46 AMYahoo Sports — ‘This is Egregious’ — ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Floats Ban for Kawhi Leonard, Steve Ballmer Amid Clippers Scandal
"Pablo Torre dropped his latest bombshell on Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers and this one may be a gamechanger. After initially reporting that Leonard had a sponsorship deal with Aspiration that appeared to circumvent the NBA salary cap, Torre found a similar agreement with tech company Daktronics, the manufacturer of the Intuit Dome…
"The Los Angeles Clippers are already facing scrutiny from the NBA over allegations of salary-cap circumvention. Now, another reported multi-million-dollar endorsement involving Kawhi Leonard has added even more fuel to the controversy.
"Pablo Torre reported on yet another potential salary cap circumvention move by Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers. Stephen A.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 8, 2026, 6:00 PMStephen A. Smith calls for one-year suspensions for Kawhi Leonard, Steve Ballmer
Pablo Torre dropped his latest bombshell on Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers and this one may be a gamechanger. After initially reporting that Leonard had a sponsorship deal with Aspiration that appeared to circumvent the NBA salary cap, Torre found a similar agreement with tech company Daktronics, the manufacturer of the Intuit Dome…
- Yahoo SportsAug 8, 2026, 7:24 AMStephen A. Smith calls for harsh NBA punishment including ‘year-long ban’ for Kawhi Leonard
Pablo Torre reported on yet another potential salary cap circumvention move by Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers. Stephen A.
- Yahoo SportsAug 8, 2026, 3:46 AM‘This is Egregious’ — ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Floats Ban for Kawhi Leonard, Steve Ballmer Amid Clippers Scandal
The Los Angeles Clippers are already facing scrutiny from the NBA over allegations of salary-cap circumvention. Now, another reported multi-million-dollar endorsement involving Kawhi Leonard has added even more fuel to the controversy.
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