LOS ANGELES—After a year long investigation, a ruling has been determined against the Los Angeles Clippers salary cap circumvention. Pablo Torre revealed the scandal made the NBA start an investigation on Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers on September 3, 2025 on his podcast, “Pablo Torre Finds Out.”
The Clippers were accused of paying Leonard money under the table to avoid hitting the salary cap of the NBA. The franchise used four businesses to fund Leonard money through endorsements. Aspiration, Lockton Insurance, Boingo Wireless, and Daktronics agreed to endorsements with Leonard.
The NBA determined the LA Clippers will forfeit the following as reported by Shams Charania on Wednesday:
-Five consecutive first round draft picks (2029- 2033)
-Clippers fined record setting $30 million dollars.
-Owner Steve Ballmer suspended from all team and league actives for one year.
-President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank suspended six months without pay.
-President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker suspended for one year without pay.
Dennis Robertson who was the advisor and uncle of Leonard put pressure on the front office for illegal financial compensation. The NBA suspended Robertson for five years as a result. Robertson cannot negotiate, conduct or interact with NBA teams. The NBA fined Leonard $700,000 for his team’s involvement.
Leonard released a statement through his new agent Harrison Gaines claiming he had no knowledge of the illegal activity.
“I entered into my contract with the Clippers as well as the agreements in question in good faith, fully committed to fulfilling my obligations and with no knowledge of any intent on anyone’s part to circumvent the salary cap,” stated Leonard.
The 7 time All-NBA player joined the Clippers after winning a championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. The franchise had championship expectations with the addition of Paul George in the same summer.
Leonard averaged 25.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.7 steals with the Clippers. He missed the 2021-22 season with a torn ACL.
The Leonard era cost 10 first round picks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (via Paul George Trade) in exchange for one western conference finals appearance. They had plenty of injuries, COVID-19, players left and had times where they weren’t productive enough to win.
The Clippers traded Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, 2 first-round Picks, 2 second-round picks and a pick swap back in June.
He will be back in Canada with the Raptors for a reunion next season, with the trade expected to officially go through.
