Similar to any business run across the world, relationships and networks in the NBA are key, as doors to endless opportunities are always open. Players in the past have maximized these connections and have gone from friends or college teammates to co-stars on the same squad.
To the same principle, front office executives and owners do the same. That is just the key to an effective business, whether it is a multi-billion-dollar organization, like a sports team, or a local coffee shop in the streets of Los Angeles.
Moreover, earlier this week, documents were revealed by podcaster Pablo Torre, leading to accusations against Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers. These claims suggested the two-time champion was receiving a large income under the table, and LA’s owner, Steve Ballmer, was under fire as well.
Exclusive: Kawhi Leonard signed a $28M endorsement deal for a "no-show job" with a fraudulent tree-planting company funded by $50M from Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, according to documents obtained by @PabloTorre.
— Pablo Torre Finds Out (@pablofindsout) September 3, 2025
"It was to circumvent the salary cap," an inside source says. pic.twitter.com/F6z5pNEkI1
Essentially, the Clippers are currently in the midst of a disaster, as they elected to deny, with their statement going public by NBA insider Shams Charania. Additionally, the off-court connection Ballmer has with Mark Cuban, an owner of the Dallas Mavericks, is unknown, but the well-known businessman spoke with Torre about his perspective.
Clippers statement: pic.twitter.com/2nZR75JCTo
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 4, 2025
Investigations are going on, and the timetable is up in the air, yet fans of the Clippers are worried as their season could already be over if Leonard’s consequences are extreme. There is also a lot of conversation, and recently, an insider added insult to injury for fans.
Zach Lowe has had his ear in on different conversations and hints at the type of punishment that will occur if the Clippers are guilty
When the investigation from the NBA’s side is complete, all the details will be in the news immediately. The league understands that this hold-up could be unfair to the LA Clippers, if they did nothing wrong, as their preparation has been contingent on the worry that Kawhi Leonard could begin the season at home.
Furthermore, NBA insider Zach Lowe gave fans a bit of insight, and it pertains to the discussions other owners are having on the Clippers’ saga. They supposedly want the right punishment, which should be harsh, if LA is guilty of handling money behind the scenes.
That said, this is terrifying, as owners are incredibly close to the NBA and Adam Silver, and their words carry significant weight given their substantial stake in their teams. Thus, the Clippers will be in major trouble if Steve Ballmer and the face of the franchise are at fault.