Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles Clippers continue to be under investigation and massive scrutiny for their alleged circumvention of the NBA’s salary cap. Plenty of layers have been peeled back as more reports have piled on, claiming the Clippers broke the rules.
Ballmer has been at the center of the controversy, and there’s no telling what the final outcome of this will be when it’s all said and done. During Clippers Media Day, Kawhi Leonard gave his first thoughts on the matter since the controversy became public.
What Did Kawhi Leonard Have to Say About the Clippers’ Investigation?
“I understand the full contract and the services I had to do,” Leonard told reporters, per Sports Illustrated‘s Joey Linn. “I don’t really deal with the conspiracies or the clickbait analysts and journalism that’s going on.”
Leonard added that he doesn’t “think the claims are accurate” regarding whether Aspiration paid him while also saying, “It’s old. This is all new to you guys.”
Kawhi Leonard says he doesn’t deal with conspiracies or “clickbait analysts and journalism that’s going on.”
Is it accurate that he didn’t perform any services for Aspiration?
“I don’t think it’s accurate…” pic.twitter.com/l8O7tjOScP
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) September 29, 2025
Leonard was put between a rock and a hard place in this instance. The investigation is ongoing, and the details are piling up about what Ballmer, Leonard, and the Clippers agreed to back when he agreed to join them in 2019.
Still, where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and there’s been a lot of smoke for the past few weeks.
Leonard cannot do much in this situation besides denying the allegations because admitting wrongdoing on his or the Clippers’ part will make it worse for every side involved. With how much reporting is going on, it’s hard to believe what Leonard is selling here, but at least he’s doing his best with the hand he’s been dealt.
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Nothing has been confirmed yet. If none of the allegations are proven correct, then Leonard and the Clippers have nothing to worry about this season. But if there’s undeniable proof, there could be a big price to pay: Leonard’s contract could be voided, the Clippers could be fined, or even lose draft assets for their actions.
It’s not like the league fining them would be a problem for Ballmer, but if it’s proven that they broke the rules, this could be a major setback for the team.
It’s innocent until proven guilty, but for everything Leonard said in response to these allegations, he at least didn’t make anything worse.
Regardless, the Clippers will officially begin their season on October 22, when Los Angeles takes on the Jazz in Utah.
