NBA Probes Leonard's Deal, Salary Cap Circumvention | JQJO

The NBA has hired Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to investigate allegations that LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard's $28 million endorsement deal with bankrupt Aspiration was a salary cap circumvention scheme benefiting Leonard and owner Steve Ballmer. Anonymous Aspiration employees claimed the deal was a 'no-show job'. The league is taking the allegations seriously, given prior investigations resulting in team ownership changes. Wachtell Lipton previously investigated Donald Sterling and Robert Sarver, leading to their dismissals. Ballmer denies wrongdoing, while Leonard's contract included a clause allowing him to decline any work. Potential penalties for cap violations include hefty fines, forfeiture of draft picks, and contract voiding.