LA Clippers Accused of Circumventing Salary Cap With $28 Million Kawhi Leonard Endorsement Deal

Grant AfsethSeptember 3, 2025September 3, 2025no comment

Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers, NBA

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A $28 million endorsement deal tied to Kawhi Leonard and a failed eco-startup could put the Los Angeles Clippers under scrutiny for potential salary cap violations.

The deal, revealed through an investigation by ESPN’s Pablo Torre on his Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast, involved Aspiration, a tree-planting company that received $50 million in funding from Clippers owner Steve Ballmer before declaring bankruptcy in March 2025.

Kawhi Leonard’s Alleged No-Show Agreement

According to Torre, Leonard was paid despite not fulfilling any endorsement obligations. Documents list Leonard’s company, KL2 Aspire LLC, as being owed $7 million, and a former Aspiration finance employee said he “didn’t have to do anything.” Other celebrities tied to the brand reportedly performed work, but Torre said there is no evidence Leonard participated.

The Clippers denied any impropriety, telling Torre in a statement: “Neither Mr. Ballmer nor the Clippers circumvented the salary cap or engaged in any misconduct related to Aspiration. Any contrary assertion is provably false.”

Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, averaged 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 37 games last season. The Clippers went 50-32 in 2024-25, securing the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference before being eliminated in a seven-game first-round series against the Denver Nuggets.

Contract and Potential NBA Penalties

Leonard’s salary for the 2024-25 season was approximately $49.2 million, the first year of a three-year, $150 million contract he signed with the Clippers in January 2024. The deal runs through the 2026-27 season, keeping him in Los Angeles until at least free agency in 2027. He will earn $50 million during the upcoming season and is on the books for $50.3 million in the final year.

If the NBA determines the endorsement arrangement was a method of cap circumvention, the Clippers could face significant consequences. The league has previously issued harsh punishments for similar cases.

In 2000, then-commissioner David Stern penalized the Minnesota Timberwolves for an under-the-table arrangement with forward Joe Smith. His contract was voided, the team was fined $3.5 million, and Minnesota forfeited five first-round draft picks. Owner Glen Taylor was suspended, and general manager Kevin McHale was forced to take a leave of absence.

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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