Behind Kawhi Leonard’s millions, a phantom contract threatening the Clippers with historic sanctions

An unusual endorsement contract is now drawing NBA’s attention. Kawhi Leonard, Clippers star, is at the center of a case involving salaries, questionable clauses, and fraud suspicions. Documents revealed by journalist Pablo Torre cast a troubling light on the connections between the player, his team, and Aspiration company.

An endorsement contract without counterpart

According to journalist Pablo Torre’s revelations, Kawhi Leonard signed a contract with Aspiration in April 2022, nine months after extending with the Clippers for $176.3 million over four years. The agreement provided quarterly payments of $1.75 million. However, it required no services from the player.

A former Aspiration employee, quoted anonymously by Torre, claims this contract « was intended to circumvent the salary cap ». More troubling, the agreement included a termination clause if Leonard left the Clippers. This created a direct link between the endorsement and his presence on the team.

Documents obtained by Torre also reveal details about Aspiration’s funding. In December 2022, Dennis J. Wong, Clippers vice president, transferred $1.99 million to Aspiration through his company DEA 88 Investments LLP. Nine days later, Leonard received $1.75 million from Aspiration.

Ballmer and Silver respond to accusations

Steve Ballmer firmly denied the accusations in an interview with ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne: « We, the Clippers, have respected the salary cap circumvention rules because it’s the right thing to do. »

The Clippers owner portrayed himself as a victim and accused Aspiration of fraud: « These guys committed fraud. They fooled me. I invested in these guys thinking it was legitimate and they fooled me. »

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed the investigation’s opening. He stated he had « never heard even a whisper » about this case. He also announced the league might review its rules on investments and endorsement contracts: « When this investigation concludes, we will review our rules again regarding companies in which players and owners invest. »

A case with potentially heavy consequences

Aspiration filed for bankruptcy in March 2025. The case could have serious repercussions for the Clippers. According to the NBA’s collective agreement, circumventing the salary cap can result in multi-million dollar fines, loss of draft picks, and even the cancellation of a player’s contract.