Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer denies knowledge of a $28 million "no-show" endorsement deal between Kawhi Leonard and the now-bankrupt Aspiration, partially funded by Ballmer. He claims to have only introduced the parties and insists he was unaware of the contract's details. The NBA is investigating the deal, which is accused of circumventing salary cap rules. Ballmer states he was defrauded by Aspiration's founders, who pleaded guilty to fraud. The investigation focuses on whether the deal constitutes a violation of NBA regulations.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.