11 days ago
The trade sending Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto is finally going forward, with the Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers agreeing to complete the deal that was agreed to earlier this summer, a person with knowledge of the negotiations said Monday.
The deal will be the same as what was agreed to 2 1/2 months ago: Leonard returns to the Raptors, with the Clippers getting Brandon Ingram, Gradey ******* , two first-round draft picks, two second-round picks and a pick swap, said the person who spoke to The ******* ociated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not received the required league approval.
It's a huge move for Toronto, which won the 2019 NBA ******* le with Leonard leading the way and is expecting to contend in the Eastern Conference. But the sides put the agreement on hold in early July pending any resolution of NBA's investigation into whether the Clippers circumvented salary cap rules with regard to Leonard's compensation.
The NBA hit the Clippers earlier this month with massive penalties as a result of that probe, suspending owner Steve Ballmer for one year, fining the team $30 million and forcing it to forfeit five first-round draft picks, among other sanctions.
Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, was hit with a $700,000 penalty as a result of that investigation. But he was not suspended and his contract was not voided, and the Raptors evidently are now certain that his status will not be affected.
#clippers #raptors #picks #deal
The deal will be the same as what was agreed to 2 1/2 months ago: Leonard returns to the Raptors, with the Clippers getting Brandon Ingram, Gradey ******* , two first-round draft picks, two second-round picks and a pick swap, said the person who spoke to The ******* ociated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not received the required league approval.
It's a huge move for Toronto, which won the 2019 NBA ******* le with Leonard leading the way and is expecting to contend in the Eastern Conference. But the sides put the agreement on hold in early July pending any resolution of NBA's investigation into whether the Clippers circumvented salary cap rules with regard to Leonard's compensation.
The NBA hit the Clippers earlier this month with massive penalties as a result of that probe, suspending owner Steve Ballmer for one year, fining the team $30 million and forcing it to forfeit five first-round draft picks, among other sanctions.
Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, was hit with a $700,000 penalty as a result of that investigation. But he was not suspended and his contract was not voided, and the Raptors evidently are now certain that his status will not be affected.
#clippers #raptors #picks #deal
14 days ago
It started with yelling about toilets. Steve Ballmer was so serious about turning the Los Angeles Clippers into a serious franchise for the first time in their existence that he wanted to make sure no fan ever waited in a long line to use the bathroom when the team opened its new arena. Ballmer's drive to win eventually led the Clippers to courting Kawhi Leonard in free agency, fresh off leading the Toronto Raptors to a 2019 NBA championship. Leonard wanted to live in Los Angeles, yes, but he also wanted Paul George as his running mate, so the Clippers shipped out a boatload of draft picks and future two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to get him.
Leonard's people also made it known that their client wanted the type of big endorsement deals his off-putting, robotic personality couldn't land legitimately. Leonard's now infamous Uncle Dennis Robertson never tried to be subtle about his desire to secure similar off-court bags to the ones Kawhi's contemporaries like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant were landing on their own accord, and leaks of his demands circulated as soon as Leonard hit free agency.
The Clippers became so entangled in pleasing Leonard that it led to blatant salary cap circumvention, first reported by investigative journalist Pablo Torre. The NBA found enough evidence supporting Torre's claims that it hammered the Clippers with the most severe penalty in league history, stripping five future first-round draft picks, suspending executives including Ballmer, and more. That figured to be the end of the story, with the Clippers spending the next decade trying to climb out of the abyss. Torre continued to hint that there was another shoe to drop, and now that it's here, the Clippers might be in much bigger trouble than anyone first believed.
The Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into the Clippers, according to the New York Times, and it's already issued one subpoena. While the scope of the investigation is unclear for now, the fact that the feds are watching the Clippers for under-the-table dealings potentially makes this a much bigger deal than simply breaking NBA rules.
How does breaking NBA rules amount to a federal crime by the Clippers? While there's a lot left to come out, the main idea is that the Clippers committed some level of fraud. Daktronics was a publicly traded company, the only one of the four tied up in the Leonard scandal to fit that description, while Aspiration, Lockton Insurance, and Boingo Wireless were not. Publicly traded companies have a fiduciary duty to their shareholders to disclose big investments, and it sure feels like that never happened when dealing with Leonard.
#ballmer
Leonard's people also made it known that their client wanted the type of big endorsement deals his off-putting, robotic personality couldn't land legitimately. Leonard's now infamous Uncle Dennis Robertson never tried to be subtle about his desire to secure similar off-court bags to the ones Kawhi's contemporaries like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant were landing on their own accord, and leaks of his demands circulated as soon as Leonard hit free agency.
The Clippers became so entangled in pleasing Leonard that it led to blatant salary cap circumvention, first reported by investigative journalist Pablo Torre. The NBA found enough evidence supporting Torre's claims that it hammered the Clippers with the most severe penalty in league history, stripping five future first-round draft picks, suspending executives including Ballmer, and more. That figured to be the end of the story, with the Clippers spending the next decade trying to climb out of the abyss. Torre continued to hint that there was another shoe to drop, and now that it's here, the Clippers might be in much bigger trouble than anyone first believed.
The Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into the Clippers, according to the New York Times, and it's already issued one subpoena. While the scope of the investigation is unclear for now, the fact that the feds are watching the Clippers for under-the-table dealings potentially makes this a much bigger deal than simply breaking NBA rules.
How does breaking NBA rules amount to a federal crime by the Clippers? While there's a lot left to come out, the main idea is that the Clippers committed some level of fraud. Daktronics was a publicly traded company, the only one of the four tied up in the Leonard scandal to fit that description, while Aspiration, Lockton Insurance, and Boingo Wireless were not. Publicly traded companies have a fiduciary duty to their shareholders to disclose big investments, and it sure feels like that never happened when dealing with Leonard.
#ballmer
15 days ago
The Justice Department has initiated a criminal investigation into allegations that the Los Angeles Clippers used secret endorsement deals to boost its star player Kawhi Leonard's income while violating the NBA's salary cap, the New York Times reported, just a week after the league suspended the team's billionaire owner Steve Ballmer for a year.
Owner Steve Ballmer of the Los Angeles Clippers congratulates Kawhi Leonard #2 after his 55-point game to win 112-99 against the Detroit Pistons at Intuit Dome.
Citing unnamed sources briefed on the matter, the Times reported that the matter is being investigated by prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Brooklyn and the probe is in its "earliest stages."
The report noted that prosecutors have already issued a subpoena as part of the probe, but details of the crimes being investigated remain unclear.
The DOJ investigation began before the NBA handed out its own punishments against the Clippers—including a year-long suspension of the team's owner and ninth-richest person in the world.
#owner #angeles #kawhi
Owner Steve Ballmer of the Los Angeles Clippers congratulates Kawhi Leonard #2 after his 55-point game to win 112-99 against the Detroit Pistons at Intuit Dome.
Citing unnamed sources briefed on the matter, the Times reported that the matter is being investigated by prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Brooklyn and the probe is in its "earliest stages."
The report noted that prosecutors have already issued a subpoena as part of the probe, but details of the crimes being investigated remain unclear.
The DOJ investigation began before the NBA handed out its own punishments against the Clippers—including a year-long suspension of the team's owner and ninth-richest person in the world.
#owner #angeles #kawhi
15 days ago
The NBA brought the hammer down on the LA Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer for circumventing the salary cap to funnel more money to Kawhi Leonard — and now federal prosecutors are looking into the matter.
The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into the Clippers' efforts to secure "no-show" endorsement deals for Kawhi Leonard, the New York Times reports. This investigation is being run out of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Brooklyn, the office that has traditionally looked into issues with professional sports leagues.
The investigation is in its earliest stages, and it's unclear what, if any, federal charges could come out of it, according to the report.
The Justice Department investigation comes in addition to the Securities and Exchange Commission looking into Daktronics' role in the scandal, as it had an endorsement deal with Leonard despite never having had a celebrity endorser before and there being no evidence Leonard did anything for the company. Daktronics is publicly traded, and the SEC is tasked with protecting shareholders.
The NBA oversaw a year-long investigation of its own into the Clippers working to circumvent the salary cap with Leonard and last month came down with the harshest penalties ever imposed on a team:
#salary
The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into the Clippers' efforts to secure "no-show" endorsement deals for Kawhi Leonard, the New York Times reports. This investigation is being run out of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Brooklyn, the office that has traditionally looked into issues with professional sports leagues.
The investigation is in its earliest stages, and it's unclear what, if any, federal charges could come out of it, according to the report.
The Justice Department investigation comes in addition to the Securities and Exchange Commission looking into Daktronics' role in the scandal, as it had an endorsement deal with Leonard despite never having had a celebrity endorser before and there being no evidence Leonard did anything for the company. Daktronics is publicly traded, and the SEC is tasked with protecting shareholders.
The NBA oversaw a year-long investigation of its own into the Clippers working to circumvent the salary cap with Leonard and last month came down with the harshest penalties ever imposed on a team:
#salary
0.00$ raised of 0.00$ goal
0 donations
0.00$
to go
15 days ago
Federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers, according to a report by The New York Times.
The team is accused of circumventing the NBA salary cap involving Kawhi Leonard.
Last week, the NBA punished the franchise with a $30 million fine and suspended owner Steve Ballmer. The league also stripped the Clippers of five first-round draft picks.
The Clippers have said they intend to vigorously challenge the findings and penalties.
This is a developing story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
#clippers #kawhi #last
The team is accused of circumventing the NBA salary cap involving Kawhi Leonard.
Last week, the NBA punished the franchise with a $30 million fine and suspended owner Steve Ballmer. The league also stripped the Clippers of five first-round draft picks.
The Clippers have said they intend to vigorously challenge the findings and penalties.
This is a developing story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
#clippers #kawhi #last
0.00$ raised of 0.00$ goal
0 donations
0.00$
to go
15 days ago
A stunning new rumor claims the Los Angeles Clippers might scrap the planned trade sending Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for a very petty reason.
When Pablo Torre broke the news last year about Clippers management creating shell companies to pay Leonard extra money and win his free agent sweepstakes in 2019, many wondered how severe the punishment for salary cap circumvention would be. Well, the long-awaited hammer dropped last week.
After the NBA found undeniable evidence of illegal violations by the Clippers, the franchise was fined $30 million. Owner Steve Ballmer was suspended from all league and team activities for a year. Clippers President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker was suspended without pay for a year, and President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank was suspended without pay for 6 months. The team was also stripped of five future first-round picks in upcoming seasons.
It is the stiffest penalty in NBA history. However, the one individual involved who got a slap on the wrist was Leonard. After speculation that he could be suspended or have his contract voided, the seven-time All-Star received a $700,000 fine. He also released a statement taking partial ownership of the fiasco.
With the punishment for cap circumvention finalized, the Clippers are expected to complete a previously agreed-upon trade sending the 35-year-old to the Raptors. Or maybe not. It is a bit odd that the two teams haven't completed a deal over a week after the penalty was handed down. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, some around the league believe there is a surprising reason the trade is still in limbo.
#clippers #year #trade
When Pablo Torre broke the news last year about Clippers management creating shell companies to pay Leonard extra money and win his free agent sweepstakes in 2019, many wondered how severe the punishment for salary cap circumvention would be. Well, the long-awaited hammer dropped last week.
After the NBA found undeniable evidence of illegal violations by the Clippers, the franchise was fined $30 million. Owner Steve Ballmer was suspended from all league and team activities for a year. Clippers President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker was suspended without pay for a year, and President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank was suspended without pay for 6 months. The team was also stripped of five future first-round picks in upcoming seasons.
It is the stiffest penalty in NBA history. However, the one individual involved who got a slap on the wrist was Leonard. After speculation that he could be suspended or have his contract voided, the seven-time All-Star received a $700,000 fine. He also released a statement taking partial ownership of the fiasco.
With the punishment for cap circumvention finalized, the Clippers are expected to complete a previously agreed-upon trade sending the 35-year-old to the Raptors. Or maybe not. It is a bit odd that the two teams haven't completed a deal over a week after the penalty was handed down. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, some around the league believe there is a surprising reason the trade is still in limbo.
#clippers #year #trade
0.00$ raised of 0.00$ goal
0 donations
0.00$
to go
18 days ago
Clippers may be forced to trade $197M elusive 3-time All-Star after Kawhi Leonard punishment originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Clippers were the most talked-about team this offseason, and it was definitely not for the right reasons. The Clippers will enter the season trying to figure out how to maneuver the future of the organization after the NBA dropped the hammer.
LA was caught giving Kawhi Leonard improper benefits over the last few years. As a result, the Clippers lost five first-round draft picks.
"The NBA on Wednesday announced severe punishments for the LA Clippers -- including the loss of five future first-round draft picks, a fine of $30 million and a yearlong suspension of owner Steve Ballmer -- for violating salary cap circumvention rules in a case involving star Kawhi Leonard," ESPN wrote.
The Clippers will try to find ways to get that draft capital back, and it could very well force them into trades they don't want to make. One name that has emerged as a likely trade candidate is three-time All-Star Darius Garland.
#five
The Los Angeles Clippers were the most talked-about team this offseason, and it was definitely not for the right reasons. The Clippers will enter the season trying to figure out how to maneuver the future of the organization after the NBA dropped the hammer.
LA was caught giving Kawhi Leonard improper benefits over the last few years. As a result, the Clippers lost five first-round draft picks.
"The NBA on Wednesday announced severe punishments for the LA Clippers -- including the loss of five future first-round draft picks, a fine of $30 million and a yearlong suspension of owner Steve Ballmer -- for violating salary cap circumvention rules in a case involving star Kawhi Leonard," ESPN wrote.
The Clippers will try to find ways to get that draft capital back, and it could very well force them into trades they don't want to make. One name that has emerged as a likely trade candidate is three-time All-Star Darius Garland.
#five
19 days ago
It seemed like a heartwarming ending. Chris Paul, the man who helped turn around the Clippers' culture and the transition from Donald Sterling to Steve Ballmer as an owner during the Lob City era, came back to the Clippers for his final season before retiring.
Instead, Paul's strong leadership style clashed with coach Tyronn Lue and management — CP3 would say he was holding them accountable — and 21 games into the season they sent him away from the team (but still on the roster). Then at the deadline he was traded to Toronto in what was purely a financial move.
Chris Paul discussed that exit on the Build or Break podcast and did not hold back.
"What's interesting about that whole situation is, it's probably one of the most disrespectful things that I've endured...
"I think just because of the investment we made in the team for as long as we have, and to see the way stuff was handled. What it lets you know is that no matter what you do or what you've done, **** ody cares."
#chris #paul #ballmer
Instead, Paul's strong leadership style clashed with coach Tyronn Lue and management — CP3 would say he was holding them accountable — and 21 games into the season they sent him away from the team (but still on the roster). Then at the deadline he was traded to Toronto in what was purely a financial move.
Chris Paul discussed that exit on the Build or Break podcast and did not hold back.
"What's interesting about that whole situation is, it's probably one of the most disrespectful things that I've endured...
"I think just because of the investment we made in the team for as long as we have, and to see the way stuff was handled. What it lets you know is that no matter what you do or what you've done, **** ody cares."
#chris #paul #ballmer
21 days ago
When the Boston Celtics were bought by private equity magnate Bill Chisholm, it was not yet clear how much people in Chisholm's financial orbit would leave their imprint on the NBA in the few years, for good and ill alike. Now, the Celtics appear to be stewarded by a genuine fan of the team, bit had to make hard calls on roster construction because of a plan put together in part to limit how much money team owners spend on salary.
Mix in the scandal revolving around erstwhile Los Angeles Lakers majority owner Mark Walter. Then add a hefty dose of the Los Angeles Clippers - Kawhi Leonard scandal sparked by Steve Ballmer's especially deep pockets and the ongoing process of league expansion, and it has likely never been clearer how much of an imprint billionaires have on the league. The hosts of "Havlicek Stole the Pod" sat down with "Hoops Hype" NBA ******* yst Cyro ******* eo to talk through this dynamic through a Celtics lens on their most recent episode of the show.
They also get caught up on the news at this late date of the summer NBA doldrums, so be sure to tune in.
Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:
Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp
#imprint #team #boston
Mix in the scandal revolving around erstwhile Los Angeles Lakers majority owner Mark Walter. Then add a hefty dose of the Los Angeles Clippers - Kawhi Leonard scandal sparked by Steve Ballmer's especially deep pockets and the ongoing process of league expansion, and it has likely never been clearer how much of an imprint billionaires have on the league. The hosts of "Havlicek Stole the Pod" sat down with "Hoops Hype" NBA ******* yst Cyro ******* eo to talk through this dynamic through a Celtics lens on their most recent episode of the show.
They also get caught up on the news at this late date of the summer NBA doldrums, so be sure to tune in.
Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:
Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp
#imprint #team #boston
22 days ago
The punishment the NBA handed down to the Los Angeles Clippers for circumventing the league salary cap through no-show sponsorship deals signed by Kawhi Leonard is unprecedented in American professional sports.
The Clippers were stripped of five future first-round NBA Draft picks, received one-year suspensions for owner Steve Ballmer and president of business operations Gillian Zucker, and a six-month suspension for president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank. In addition, the Clippers and Ballmer were fined $30 million.
While the draft-pick penalty mirrors the initial penalty for the Minnesota Timberwolves when they developed a scheme to sign Joe Smith in 2000, two of those picks were eventually restored. And the $3.5 million fine is no comparison, even with inflation, to the monetary penalty for the Clippers.
But for David Samson, it still wasn't enough.
Appearing on The Dan Le Batard Show, the former Miami Marlins executive said the severity of the salary cap circumvention called for even harsher punishment, perhaps up to and including firing the executives in question and forcing Ballmer to sell the team.
#show #picks
The Clippers were stripped of five future first-round NBA Draft picks, received one-year suspensions for owner Steve Ballmer and president of business operations Gillian Zucker, and a six-month suspension for president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank. In addition, the Clippers and Ballmer were fined $30 million.
While the draft-pick penalty mirrors the initial penalty for the Minnesota Timberwolves when they developed a scheme to sign Joe Smith in 2000, two of those picks were eventually restored. And the $3.5 million fine is no comparison, even with inflation, to the monetary penalty for the Clippers.
But for David Samson, it still wasn't enough.
Appearing on The Dan Le Batard Show, the former Miami Marlins executive said the severity of the salary cap circumvention called for even harsher punishment, perhaps up to and including firing the executives in question and forcing Ballmer to sell the team.
#show #picks
22 days ago
The NBA leveled an extraordinary punishment against the Los Angeles Clippers in a salary cap circumvention scheme, and in doing so, created a host of questions about what comes next for the team, its ownership and Kawhi Leonard.
The Clippers vowed to vigorously fight the crackdown, but their options are limited.
The league's punishment included suspending owner Steve Ballmer for one year and ordering the team to forfeit five first-round draft picks from 2029-2033 for violating salary cap circumvention rules in a case involving Leonard. In addition, the team was ordered to pay a $30 million fine, while president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was banned six months and team president of business operations Gillian Zucker was benched for one year.
The punishment comes after a nearly yearlong investigation. The Clippers say they will challenge the decision and pursue legal options, but the punishment leaves the organization in a state of flux moving forward.
Here's what to know:
#punishment
The Clippers vowed to vigorously fight the crackdown, but their options are limited.
The league's punishment included suspending owner Steve Ballmer for one year and ordering the team to forfeit five first-round draft picks from 2029-2033 for violating salary cap circumvention rules in a case involving Leonard. In addition, the team was ordered to pay a $30 million fine, while president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was banned six months and team president of business operations Gillian Zucker was benched for one year.
The punishment comes after a nearly yearlong investigation. The Clippers say they will challenge the decision and pursue legal options, but the punishment leaves the organization in a state of flux moving forward.
Here's what to know:
#punishment
22 days ago
Raptors-Clippers' official Kawhi Leonard trade details revealed after NBA finishes investigation originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Clippers have been under investigation for quite some time due to potential payments made to Kawhi Leonard. It has put the entire organization and its offseason under the spotlight as the NBA worked to determine exactly what was going on.
The Clippers planned to trade Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors at the end of June, but the deal was put on hold. On Wednesday, the NBA handed down its punishments.
"The NBA on Wednesday announced severe punishments for the LA Clippers -- including the loss of five future first-round draft picks, a fine of $30 million and a yearlong suspension of owner Steve Ballmer -- for violating salary cap circumvention rules in a case involving star Kawhi Leonard," ESPN wrote.
With the saga finally somewhat behind them, the focus now shifts back to the trade between the two sides. ESPN's Shams Charania believes the deal will be finalized within the next few days.
#investigation #back #deal
The Los Angeles Clippers have been under investigation for quite some time due to potential payments made to Kawhi Leonard. It has put the entire organization and its offseason under the spotlight as the NBA worked to determine exactly what was going on.
The Clippers planned to trade Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors at the end of June, but the deal was put on hold. On Wednesday, the NBA handed down its punishments.
"The NBA on Wednesday announced severe punishments for the LA Clippers -- including the loss of five future first-round draft picks, a fine of $30 million and a yearlong suspension of owner Steve Ballmer -- for violating salary cap circumvention rules in a case involving star Kawhi Leonard," ESPN wrote.
With the saga finally somewhat behind them, the focus now shifts back to the trade between the two sides. ESPN's Shams Charania believes the deal will be finalized within the next few days.
#investigation #back #deal
22 days ago
Yesterday was a really bad day for the Los Angeles Clippers. The NBA found the franchise guilty of salary-cap circumvention in the Kawhi Leonard case, stripped them of five first-round picks from 2029 through 2033, fined the team $30.0 million, suspended Steve Ballmer for one year, and suspended Lawrence Frank for six months. Leonard was also fined $700,000, incredibly escaping barely harmed in all of this.
The one piece of good news, if we can even call it that, is that the league didn't block Leonard's move back to the Raptors. That trade had been on hold while the investigation was happening, and with the case now finished, the deal can move forward. Toronto had agreed to send Brandon Ingram, Gradey ****** , two unprotected first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a 2027 first-round pick swap for Leonard.
Those five lost first-round picks hurt the most. The Clippers were finally getting close to controlling their own future again starting in 2029, but now they won't make a first-round selection with one of those picks until 2034, although they should get the Raptors' 2031 and 2033 picks. Still, for a team entering a rebuild, that is brutal. Tanking doesn't help much when there is basically no first-round pick waiting for you at the end of the season, since the 2027 pick swap from Toronto is the worst one among the Raptors, the Clippers, and the Thunder, and the 2028 pick goes entirely to OKC.
So if the Clippers can't rely on landing a future franchise player through the Draft, and they also can't use any of their upcoming first-round picks as trade ****** ets since they belong to other teams, they will have to get creative. There are still other ways to find young talent, from taking chances on former high picks to using cap ****** e, trades, the G League, and overlooked free agents.
With almost a decade of Draft problems ahead of them, here are five different ways the Clippers can try to survive this rebuild and find young players without waiting until 2034.
#raptors
The one piece of good news, if we can even call it that, is that the league didn't block Leonard's move back to the Raptors. That trade had been on hold while the investigation was happening, and with the case now finished, the deal can move forward. Toronto had agreed to send Brandon Ingram, Gradey ****** , two unprotected first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a 2027 first-round pick swap for Leonard.
Those five lost first-round picks hurt the most. The Clippers were finally getting close to controlling their own future again starting in 2029, but now they won't make a first-round selection with one of those picks until 2034, although they should get the Raptors' 2031 and 2033 picks. Still, for a team entering a rebuild, that is brutal. Tanking doesn't help much when there is basically no first-round pick waiting for you at the end of the season, since the 2027 pick swap from Toronto is the worst one among the Raptors, the Clippers, and the Thunder, and the 2028 pick goes entirely to OKC.
So if the Clippers can't rely on landing a future franchise player through the Draft, and they also can't use any of their upcoming first-round picks as trade ****** ets since they belong to other teams, they will have to get creative. There are still other ways to find young talent, from taking chances on former high picks to using cap ****** e, trades, the G League, and overlooked free agents.
With almost a decade of Draft problems ahead of them, here are five different ways the Clippers can try to survive this rebuild and find young players without waiting until 2034.
#raptors
23 days ago
The Mavericks' minority owner, Mark Cuban, reacted to the NBA's recent verdict in the Kawhi Leonard salary-cap circumvention controversy with the Clippers.
"Congrats, Pablo," wrote Cuban on X.
NBA fans took to social media and saw the billionaire businessman's two-word response. They flooded the comment section with criticism, calling Cuban out for backtracking on his comments about Pablo Torre, the investigative journalist who first reported the story.
"Not sure how you thought they were innocent. This smelled like rotting fish from the beginning."
"Man…you were so wrong in this one. Always side with the smarter people…Pablo is much smarter than Ballmer. And Pablo actually works for a living."
#pablo #smarter #kawhi #torre
"Congrats, Pablo," wrote Cuban on X.
NBA fans took to social media and saw the billionaire businessman's two-word response. They flooded the comment section with criticism, calling Cuban out for backtracking on his comments about Pablo Torre, the investigative journalist who first reported the story.
"Not sure how you thought they were innocent. This smelled like rotting fish from the beginning."
"Man…you were so wrong in this one. Always side with the smarter people…Pablo is much smarter than Ballmer. And Pablo actually works for a living."
#pablo #smarter #kawhi #torre
23 days ago
Pablo Torre, the journalist whose reporting led the NBA to crack down on the Los Angeles Clippers for circumventing the league salary cap rules, said he is not done with the story.
"There is more to come than is in the NBA report,'' Torre said Wednesday, Sept. 2 during his podcast, Pablo Torre Finds Out. "This is not everything.''
Torre, 40, and his two co-hosts did not provide specifics. But Torre did offer a couple of hints while pointing to the findings of an investigation conducted by referring to a law firm hired by the NBA, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
The investigation has centered one player, Kawhi Leonard, and how the Clippers funneled him money in violation of the league's salary cap rules after signing him in 2019, according to a summary of the law firm's investigation. Torre cited mention in the summary of an unidentified second player.
Torre also pointed out the investigation findings did not include Dennis Wong, the Clippers' co-owner. Steve Ballmer, the team's controlling owner, has been suspended from all league and team activities for a year.
#pablo #league #findings #player
"There is more to come than is in the NBA report,'' Torre said Wednesday, Sept. 2 during his podcast, Pablo Torre Finds Out. "This is not everything.''
Torre, 40, and his two co-hosts did not provide specifics. But Torre did offer a couple of hints while pointing to the findings of an investigation conducted by referring to a law firm hired by the NBA, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
The investigation has centered one player, Kawhi Leonard, and how the Clippers funneled him money in violation of the league's salary cap rules after signing him in 2019, according to a summary of the law firm's investigation. Torre cited mention in the summary of an unidentified second player.
Torre also pointed out the investigation findings did not include Dennis Wong, the Clippers' co-owner. Steve Ballmer, the team's controlling owner, has been suspended from all league and team activities for a year.
#pablo #league #findings #player
23 days ago
"This is a historic moment for our organization and our fans," Lawrence Frank said in a statement on July 10, 2019. And oh, man, does "historic" not even begin to cover it.
Frank, the president of basketball operations of the Los Angeles Clippers, delivered that cherry quote up near the top of the press release officially announcing the signing of marquee free-agent Kawhi Leonard — a two-time NBA champion and NBA Finals MVP, a three-time All-Star and All-NBA selection, a five-time All-Defensive teamer and former Defensive Player of the Year — to begin a bright, bold new era for the long moribund franchise.
(The second sentence of that statement, one that appears in virtually every team announcement of a contract signing, takes on a particularly rich tone today: "Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released." I can't imagine why!)
A half-hour after they announced the Kawhi signing, the Clippers published a second statement trumpeting a trade for Paul George — a six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection and five-time All-Defensive teamer, fresh off a third-place finish in MVP voting — to team with Leonard, a pair of hometown heroes joining forces to lead the Clips into that bright, bold future.
Frank's money quote from the PG press release read, in part: "When you have the opportunity to acquire a contributor of his caliber, you do what it takes to bring him home. [...] Following the lead of Steve Ballmer, we have plotted an aggressive course to build a championship contender."
#defensive #statement #clippers #leonard
Frank, the president of basketball operations of the Los Angeles Clippers, delivered that cherry quote up near the top of the press release officially announcing the signing of marquee free-agent Kawhi Leonard — a two-time NBA champion and NBA Finals MVP, a three-time All-Star and All-NBA selection, a five-time All-Defensive teamer and former Defensive Player of the Year — to begin a bright, bold new era for the long moribund franchise.
(The second sentence of that statement, one that appears in virtually every team announcement of a contract signing, takes on a particularly rich tone today: "Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released." I can't imagine why!)
A half-hour after they announced the Kawhi signing, the Clippers published a second statement trumpeting a trade for Paul George — a six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection and five-time All-Defensive teamer, fresh off a third-place finish in MVP voting — to team with Leonard, a pair of hometown heroes joining forces to lead the Clips into that bright, bold future.
Frank's money quote from the PG press release read, in part: "When you have the opportunity to acquire a contributor of his caliber, you do what it takes to bring him home. [...] Following the lead of Steve Ballmer, we have plotted an aggressive course to build a championship contender."
#defensive #statement #clippers #leonard
23 days ago
The Los Angeles Clippers finally got an answer on the NBA's cap circumvention investigation, but it's not the one they were hoping for. Despite claiming innocence and complying with the league throughout the process, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver came down with strict penalties, including a $30 million fine, the loss of five draft picks, and suspensions for several Clippers executives.
Instead of accepting their losses, however, the Clippers plan to fight with everything they have. After making their initial statement today, they shared their official email to the Commissioner, in which they called him out on the way this investigation was conducted. According to the Clippers, they worked tirelessly to comply with the league office, committing millions of dollars and many hours to prove their innocence.
"Almost one year ago today, you announced that the league would be investigating podcast allegations that the Los Angeles Clippers engaged in salary cap circumvention by funneling money to Kawhi Leonard through a 'no-show' contract with a Clippers sponsor, Aspiration. In announcing that investigation, you represented that 'due process' and 'a fundamental sense of fairness' would govern the process. You made clear that the 'burden [would be] on the league' to prove any violation through actual evidence, not 'mere appearances.' And you concluded by promising that everyone involved in the investigation would be treated 'the same way I would want to be treated if people were making allegations against me.'"
"Unfortunately, none of those promises have been kept. In the last year, Steve Ballmer has spent nearly $50 million funding an investigation by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz that has stretched far beyond the bounds of what the league set out to investigate, let alone the bounds of 'fundamental fairness.' The Clippers have produced more than 30,000 documents and provided more than 20 witnesses who have sat for 30 interviews."
"Third parties, including Clippers business partners and sponsors, have likewise provided documents, interviews, and statements to investigators. Mr. Ballmer has reimbursed the costs of at least six law firms, many of which were hired at the demand of the league's lawyers. To say the investigation has been a distraction would be an understatement—Clippers employees have spent thousands of hours scouring document repositories, phones, messaging systems, central files, and accounting records, working with counsel, and sitting for interviews. This investigation has permanently strained relationships with key Clippers stakeholders."
#angeles #commissioner #circumvention #innocence
Instead of accepting their losses, however, the Clippers plan to fight with everything they have. After making their initial statement today, they shared their official email to the Commissioner, in which they called him out on the way this investigation was conducted. According to the Clippers, they worked tirelessly to comply with the league office, committing millions of dollars and many hours to prove their innocence.
"Almost one year ago today, you announced that the league would be investigating podcast allegations that the Los Angeles Clippers engaged in salary cap circumvention by funneling money to Kawhi Leonard through a 'no-show' contract with a Clippers sponsor, Aspiration. In announcing that investigation, you represented that 'due process' and 'a fundamental sense of fairness' would govern the process. You made clear that the 'burden [would be] on the league' to prove any violation through actual evidence, not 'mere appearances.' And you concluded by promising that everyone involved in the investigation would be treated 'the same way I would want to be treated if people were making allegations against me.'"
"Unfortunately, none of those promises have been kept. In the last year, Steve Ballmer has spent nearly $50 million funding an investigation by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz that has stretched far beyond the bounds of what the league set out to investigate, let alone the bounds of 'fundamental fairness.' The Clippers have produced more than 30,000 documents and provided more than 20 witnesses who have sat for 30 interviews."
"Third parties, including Clippers business partners and sponsors, have likewise provided documents, interviews, and statements to investigators. Mr. Ballmer has reimbursed the costs of at least six law firms, many of which were hired at the demand of the league's lawyers. To say the investigation has been a distraction would be an understatement—Clippers employees have spent thousands of hours scouring document repositories, phones, messaging systems, central files, and accounting records, working with counsel, and sitting for interviews. This investigation has permanently strained relationships with key Clippers stakeholders."
#angeles #commissioner #circumvention #innocence
23 days ago
After months of speculation and anticipation, the NBA dropped the hammer on the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday over their reported scheme to circumvent the salary cap for Kawhi Leonard.
And what a hammer it was. The league has stripped the Clippers of five first-round draft picks, fined owner Steve Ballmer $30 million, fined Leonard $700,000 and suspended Ballmer, president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank and president of business operations Gillian Zucker.
It is a team-changing blow to LA, which many have noted also gave up five first-rounders, two pick swaps and future MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a trade for Paul George at Leonard's request.
The Clippers have already released a statement rejecting the NBA's findings and promising to challenge them. It remains to be seen how that will play out, but the NBA has certainly thrown down a harsh first move.
But how harsh is it compared to other cheating scandals in recent sports history? Let's compare the Clippers' sanctions to the bites other teams have received for bending the rules for a competitive advantage in recent sports history, which we are cutting off at the year 2000.
#fined #operations
And what a hammer it was. The league has stripped the Clippers of five first-round draft picks, fined owner Steve Ballmer $30 million, fined Leonard $700,000 and suspended Ballmer, president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank and president of business operations Gillian Zucker.
It is a team-changing blow to LA, which many have noted also gave up five first-rounders, two pick swaps and future MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a trade for Paul George at Leonard's request.
The Clippers have already released a statement rejecting the NBA's findings and promising to challenge them. It remains to be seen how that will play out, but the NBA has certainly thrown down a harsh first move.
But how harsh is it compared to other cheating scandals in recent sports history? Let's compare the Clippers' sanctions to the bites other teams have received for bending the rules for a competitive advantage in recent sports history, which we are cutting off at the year 2000.
#fined #operations
23 days ago
The long-awaited results of the NBA's investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers' alleged salary cap circumvention practices were finally released on Wednesday, Sept. 2, and the fallout is just beginning.
Among the punishments handed out, the Clippers must forfeit five first-round draft picks and pay a $30 million fine. Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers' superstar at the heart of the scandal, has been fined $700,000. Additionally, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and president of business operations Gillian Zucker have been suspended by the league for one year. Lawrence Frank, the team's president of basketball operations, has been suspended for six months.
The official investigation report from the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz explicitly lays out why the organization is facing the brunt of the penalties. Throughout the 36-page document, investigators state the three individuals most responsible for the Clippers' rule-breaking are Ballmer, Zucker and Frank, and call out the organization for obfuscating the investigation's efforts.
The report also notes investigators "continue to receive information relevant to the subjects discussed in this report" and will supplement their findings as appropriate. Wachtell Lipton said it conducted 73 interviews of 60 people and reviewed 200,000 pages of documents.
Here are 13 must-read segments from the investigation. Each is quoted directly from the report.
#clippers #report #lipton #president
Among the punishments handed out, the Clippers must forfeit five first-round draft picks and pay a $30 million fine. Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers' superstar at the heart of the scandal, has been fined $700,000. Additionally, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and president of business operations Gillian Zucker have been suspended by the league for one year. Lawrence Frank, the team's president of basketball operations, has been suspended for six months.
The official investigation report from the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz explicitly lays out why the organization is facing the brunt of the penalties. Throughout the 36-page document, investigators state the three individuals most responsible for the Clippers' rule-breaking are Ballmer, Zucker and Frank, and call out the organization for obfuscating the investigation's efforts.
The report also notes investigators "continue to receive information relevant to the subjects discussed in this report" and will supplement their findings as appropriate. Wachtell Lipton said it conducted 73 interviews of 60 people and reviewed 200,000 pages of documents.
Here are 13 must-read segments from the investigation. Each is quoted directly from the report.
#clippers #report #lipton #president
23 days ago
The verdict is in regarding the Kawhi Leonard saga, and the results are not good for the All-Star forward or his soon-to-be former team.
A months-long independent investigation found the Los Angeles Clippers illegally circumvented the NBA salary cap when they facilitated outside endorsement deals with a collection of team-friendly sponsors, the league announced Wednesday.
Those sponsors were Aspiration Partners, Boingo Wireless, Daktronics and Lockton Insurance.
The resulting penalties are staggeringly stiff.
Due to what the league called a pattern of misconduct uncovered in the investigation, headed by the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, the NBA has suspended team owner Steve Ballmer from all league and team activities for a year. He has also been fined $30 million.
#sponsors
A months-long independent investigation found the Los Angeles Clippers illegally circumvented the NBA salary cap when they facilitated outside endorsement deals with a collection of team-friendly sponsors, the league announced Wednesday.
Those sponsors were Aspiration Partners, Boingo Wireless, Daktronics and Lockton Insurance.
The resulting penalties are staggeringly stiff.
Due to what the league called a pattern of misconduct uncovered in the investigation, headed by the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, the NBA has suspended team owner Steve Ballmer from all league and team activities for a year. He has also been fined $30 million.
#sponsors
23 days ago
Mike Vorkunov: Aspiration co-founder Joe Sanberg threatened to blow up deal when it wasn't yet finalized. He threatened Clippers execs. Ballmer signed off in April 2022, same month Leonard's deal was executed. NBA report said that the explicit link between violates NBA circumvention rules.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: He threatened Clippers execs. Ballmer signed off in …
#threatened
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: He threatened Clippers execs. Ballmer signed off in …
#threatened
23 days ago
The NBA has stripped the Los Angeles Clippers of five first-round draft picks and fined owner Steve Ballmer $30 million at the conclusion of its probe into alleged salary cap circumvention with Kawhi Leonard.
The league is also fining Leonard $700,000.
The NBA announced the decision Wednesday.
The decision comes months after journalist Pablo Torre unveiled the possible violation during an episode of his podcast, "Pablo Torre Finds Out." During the program, Torre revealed an agreement between Leonard and a now-bankrupt company called Aspiration, in which Ballmer was heavily invested. The agreement paid Leonard $28 million to essentially do nothing. Ballmer was accused of using the $28 million deal as a way to circumvent the NBA salary cap and give Leonard more money to sign with the franchise.
On the day the story originally broke, the Clippers and Ballmer denied any wrongdoing, issuing a statement denying the allegations made by Torre.
#ballmer #salary
The league is also fining Leonard $700,000.
The NBA announced the decision Wednesday.
The decision comes months after journalist Pablo Torre unveiled the possible violation during an episode of his podcast, "Pablo Torre Finds Out." During the program, Torre revealed an agreement between Leonard and a now-bankrupt company called Aspiration, in which Ballmer was heavily invested. The agreement paid Leonard $28 million to essentially do nothing. Ballmer was accused of using the $28 million deal as a way to circumvent the NBA salary cap and give Leonard more money to sign with the franchise.
On the day the story originally broke, the Clippers and Ballmer denied any wrongdoing, issuing a statement denying the allegations made by Torre.
#ballmer #salary
1 month ago
Podcaster Pablo Torre had a frank reaction to ESPN's claim that the NBA has found no evidence of cap circumvention between the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard.
Torre's reporting in September 2025 brought the potential cap circumvention between the Clippers and Leonard to light. It launched an NBA investigation that is now nearly a year old.
ESPN revealed that the NBA has found no wrongdoing on the Clippers' and Ballmer's end while recognising the existence of the side sponsorships for Leonard, which had been revealed by Torre.
Torre made a post on X discussing ESPN's report, laying out that the NBA cannot directly link the sponsorships to the Clippers and is instead evaluating their mistakes as a 'failure to supervise,' while also criticising Clippers owner Steve Ballmer's involvement in punishment decisions.
"The subject of the investigation does not get to negotiate with the group that is doing the investigation. But in this case, Steve Ballmer, the richest owner in American sports, has been negotiating a resolution behind the scenes, according to ESPN."
#torre #found
Torre's reporting in September 2025 brought the potential cap circumvention between the Clippers and Leonard to light. It launched an NBA investigation that is now nearly a year old.
ESPN revealed that the NBA has found no wrongdoing on the Clippers' and Ballmer's end while recognising the existence of the side sponsorships for Leonard, which had been revealed by Torre.
Torre made a post on X discussing ESPN's report, laying out that the NBA cannot directly link the sponsorships to the Clippers and is instead evaluating their mistakes as a 'failure to supervise,' while also criticising Clippers owner Steve Ballmer's involvement in punishment decisions.
"The subject of the investigation does not get to negotiate with the group that is doing the investigation. But in this case, Steve Ballmer, the richest owner in American sports, has been negotiating a resolution behind the scenes, according to ESPN."
#torre #found
1 month ago
Ramona Shelburne: Also: Am told by multiple sources that Lakers governor Jeanie Buss did not vote to sell. The other five siblings did.
x.com
Ramona Shelburne: Also: Am told by multiple sources that Lakers governor Jeanie Buss did not vote to sell. The other five siblings did. — 8/17/2026 x.com
Ramona Shelburne: Adding to this important piece of information from mcten This vote to sell family shares has been open since Tuesday. There was a previous vote several months ago, as well from what I understand. — 8/17/2026 x.com
Darius Soriano: 17.8% of $12.5 billion is about $2.25 billion. that's more than steve ballmer paid for *all* the clippers. — 8/17/2026 x.com
#sell #buss #told #multiple
x.com
Ramona Shelburne: Also: Am told by multiple sources that Lakers governor Jeanie Buss did not vote to sell. The other five siblings did. — 8/17/2026 x.com
Ramona Shelburne: Adding to this important piece of information from mcten This vote to sell family shares has been open since Tuesday. There was a previous vote several months ago, as well from what I understand. — 8/17/2026 x.com
Darius Soriano: 17.8% of $12.5 billion is about $2.25 billion. that's more than steve ballmer paid for *all* the clippers. — 8/17/2026 x.com
#sell #buss #told #multiple
2 months ago
With all the doom and gloom about the future of the stalled Kawhi Leonard trade back to the Toronto Raptors, a scenario has been presented that would see the Raps actually benefiting from the whole kerfuffle.
The June 30 blockbuster deal that was supposed to send Kawhi back to the team with which he won his last NBA championship is on hold. Both the Raptors and the LA Clippers are awaiting the results of the long, drawn-out investigation into the alleged cap circumvention scandal surrounding the Clippers, owner Steve Ballmer and Leonard.
There have been all sorts of scenarios floated that could put the kibosh on Kawhi's return to Toronto. A full-year suspension or having his contract voided are the two leading narratives that naysayers have referred to. However, local beat writer Michael Grange of Sportsnet says that all the clues suggest that Kawhi will wind up with the Raptors when all is said and done. And even more than that, he lays out a scenario where a certain line of severe punishment handed out by the NBA could actually benefit Toronto in the long run.
But first, hear him out as he tries to put Toronto fans at ease about any potential suspension of Kawhi for a huge chunk of the 2026-27 season:
The… commonly cited risk — that Leonard will face a lengthy suspension for his role in the alleged cap circumvention — is something that almost certainly won't come to pass, a matter than has been under-reported or not reported previously.
#toronto #leonard #raptors #long
The June 30 blockbuster deal that was supposed to send Kawhi back to the team with which he won his last NBA championship is on hold. Both the Raptors and the LA Clippers are awaiting the results of the long, drawn-out investigation into the alleged cap circumvention scandal surrounding the Clippers, owner Steve Ballmer and Leonard.
There have been all sorts of scenarios floated that could put the kibosh on Kawhi's return to Toronto. A full-year suspension or having his contract voided are the two leading narratives that naysayers have referred to. However, local beat writer Michael Grange of Sportsnet says that all the clues suggest that Kawhi will wind up with the Raptors when all is said and done. And even more than that, he lays out a scenario where a certain line of severe punishment handed out by the NBA could actually benefit Toronto in the long run.
But first, hear him out as he tries to put Toronto fans at ease about any potential suspension of Kawhi for a huge chunk of the 2026-27 season:
The… commonly cited risk — that Leonard will face a lengthy suspension for his role in the alleged cap circumvention — is something that almost certainly won't come to pass, a matter than has been under-reported or not reported previously.
#toronto #leonard #raptors #long
2 months ago
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 scoreboard.
The second questionable deal is increasing the avalanche of pressure on the Clippers, owner Steve Ballmer, and the entire league over what happens next. And on Friday's episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith gave his verdict. He suggested that both Ballmer and Leonard should be banned for a year.
"This is egregious if it's true. If it's true, we're talking about banishment for Steve Ballmer as far as I'm concerned for at least a year. It should be entertained that Kawhi Leonard should be banned for a year. He just took the money, but **** that," Smith said. "The deal with Aspiration, that's a green banking company that's at the center of the NBA investigation going on now. To learn that you might have had another sponsorship deal worth millions of dollars with Daktronics? So you had not one but a couple of companies funneling money to you? To circumvent the salary cap with you getting this money but you also getting these additional dollars on the side illegally, because according to NBA bylaws, you ain't supposed to be doing this? Nah, you can't go for that."
Stephen A. Smith had Pablo Torre on his podcast and echoed the sentiment that the hammer should come down on both Kawhi Leonard and the Cippers. Not only did he again suggest a one-year suspension for Leonard and Ballmer, but taking draft picks away from the Cilppers and voiding Leonard's contract altogether.
#ballmer #deal
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 scoreboard.
The second questionable deal is increasing the avalanche of pressure on the Clippers, owner Steve Ballmer, and the entire league over what happens next. And on Friday's episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith gave his verdict. He suggested that both Ballmer and Leonard should be banned for a year.
"This is egregious if it's true. If it's true, we're talking about banishment for Steve Ballmer as far as I'm concerned for at least a year. It should be entertained that Kawhi Leonard should be banned for a year. He just took the money, but **** that," Smith said. "The deal with Aspiration, that's a green banking company that's at the center of the NBA investigation going on now. To learn that you might have had another sponsorship deal worth millions of dollars with Daktronics? So you had not one but a couple of companies funneling money to you? To circumvent the salary cap with you getting this money but you also getting these additional dollars on the side illegally, because according to NBA bylaws, you ain't supposed to be doing this? Nah, you can't go for that."
Stephen A. Smith had Pablo Torre on his podcast and echoed the sentiment that the hammer should come down on both Kawhi Leonard and the Cippers. Not only did he again suggest a one-year suspension for Leonard and Ballmer, but taking draft picks away from the Cilppers and voiding Leonard's contract altogether.
#ballmer #deal
2 months ago
Kawhi Leonard's luck may help him after the conclusion of the NBA's ongoing investigation of LA Clippers circumventing the salary cap.
Investigative journalist Pablo Torre's bombshell reports about Kawhi Leonard and Steve Ballmer's LA Clippers circumventing the salary cap has been a major topic of discussion heading into the season.
After all, if Leonard is found guilty, his trade to the Toronto Raptors could be voided. But that's only the case if the league's investigation reaches a conclusion before 2027.
Right now, the investigation is in its arbitration stage, and this is something that works in favor of the 2x NBA champion.
Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
#investigative
Investigative journalist Pablo Torre's bombshell reports about Kawhi Leonard and Steve Ballmer's LA Clippers circumventing the salary cap has been a major topic of discussion heading into the season.
After all, if Leonard is found guilty, his trade to the Toronto Raptors could be voided. But that's only the case if the league's investigation reaches a conclusion before 2027.
Right now, the investigation is in its arbitration stage, and this is something that works in favor of the 2x NBA champion.
Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
#investigative
2 months ago
The Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors trade for Kawhi Leonard remains in limbo.
Leonard's seven-year tenure with the Clippers appeared to be over after he was traded to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, June 30.
The Raptors were going to send forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey ****** , two unprotected first-round picks (2031, 2033), two second-round picks (2030, 2033) and a 2027 first-round swap to Los Angeles.
Instead, both teams have put a halt to the trade, citing an ongoing investigation.
Leonard, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, and Leonard's uncle/advisor Dennis Robertson are being investigated for their alleged involvement in a "no-show" agreement with a company, Aspiration, to funnel extra compensation to Leonard as part of a salary cap circumvention.
#raptors #leonard #toronto #picks
Leonard's seven-year tenure with the Clippers appeared to be over after he was traded to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, June 30.
The Raptors were going to send forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey ****** , two unprotected first-round picks (2031, 2033), two second-round picks (2030, 2033) and a 2027 first-round swap to Los Angeles.
Instead, both teams have put a halt to the trade, citing an ongoing investigation.
Leonard, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, and Leonard's uncle/advisor Dennis Robertson are being investigated for their alleged involvement in a "no-show" agreement with a company, Aspiration, to funnel extra compensation to Leonard as part of a salary cap circumvention.
#raptors #leonard #toronto #picks
2 months ago
Pablo Torre is back this week with yet another episode documenting alleged salary cap circumvention by the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers and star forward Kawhi Leonard, the 13th installment of a series that has now stretched nearly a year.
Yet the NBA's investigation appears no closer to being finished than it was last September when it was announced, after a separate report from ESPN this week suggested it could stretch into 2027.
As questions once again intensify around the probe by the NBA's hand-selected law firm and a trade that would have sent Leonard to Toronto remains on pause, Torre challenged the league and commissioner Adam Silver directly in a Thursday appearance on The Dan Le Batard Show.
Torre echoed Le Batard's recent comments claiming the NBA is afraid that Ballmer could undermine the legitimacy of the league office and the collective bargaining agreement with legal challenges.
"What the league is worried about is Steve Ballmer, the richest owner in American sports, fighting in a way that other owners would not have the resources or the inclination to fight," he said.
#league
Yet the NBA's investigation appears no closer to being finished than it was last September when it was announced, after a separate report from ESPN this week suggested it could stretch into 2027.
As questions once again intensify around the probe by the NBA's hand-selected law firm and a trade that would have sent Leonard to Toronto remains on pause, Torre challenged the league and commissioner Adam Silver directly in a Thursday appearance on The Dan Le Batard Show.
Torre echoed Le Batard's recent comments claiming the NBA is afraid that Ballmer could undermine the legitimacy of the league office and the collective bargaining agreement with legal challenges.
"What the league is worried about is Steve Ballmer, the richest owner in American sports, fighting in a way that other owners would not have the resources or the inclination to fight," he said.
#league
2 months ago
The Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors remain at a standstill regarding the proposed trade that would bring Kawhi Leonard back to Canada.
Leonard’s seven-year tenure with the Clippers ended after he was traded to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, June 30, for forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey ******* , two unprotected first-round picks (2031, 2033), two second-round picks (2030, 2033) and a 2027 first-round swap.
Both teams have since put a halt to the trade, citing the ongoing investigation surrounding Leonard, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, and Leonard's uncle/advisor Dennis Robertson. All three men were allegedly involved in a “no-show” agreement with a company, Aspiration, to funnel extra compensation to the player as part of a salary cap circumvention.
There’s a belief that both sides are still willing to go through with the deal with the ******* umption that there will be limited consequences for the parties involved.
"My timeline remains this summer," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said when talking to reporters on Thursday, July 14. "... I'm not conducting the investigation … as I've said previously, we all have an interest in wrapping this up, and I most recently said in an interview that I am hopeful it will wrap up this summer and that will continue to be the goal here."
Leonard’s seven-year tenure with the Clippers ended after he was traded to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, June 30, for forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey ******* , two unprotected first-round picks (2031, 2033), two second-round picks (2030, 2033) and a 2027 first-round swap.
Both teams have since put a halt to the trade, citing the ongoing investigation surrounding Leonard, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, and Leonard's uncle/advisor Dennis Robertson. All three men were allegedly involved in a “no-show” agreement with a company, Aspiration, to funnel extra compensation to the player as part of a salary cap circumvention.
There’s a belief that both sides are still willing to go through with the deal with the ******* umption that there will be limited consequences for the parties involved.
"My timeline remains this summer," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said when talking to reporters on Thursday, July 14. "... I'm not conducting the investigation … as I've said previously, we all have an interest in wrapping this up, and I most recently said in an interview that I am hopeful it will wrap up this summer and that will continue to be the goal here."
