With speculation stemming from Pablo Torre that cap circumvention took place within the LA Clippers’ organization, and that Kawhi Leonard, the face of the franchise, secretly received $28 million, stars around the league may have felt some type of way that this was occurring.
This would have been understandable, as anyone, in the league or not, would graciously accept $28 million in their bank account, but former NBA veteran and 2016 champion Richard Jefferson set the record straight on how everyone really feels.
Richard Jefferson reveals that players from across the NBA do not care if Kawhi Leonard did get paid an additional $28M under the table:
— APHoops (@APH00PS) October 7, 2025
“Collectively, none of us care if someone got an extra $28M. I’m mad that it wasn’t me! … Players have shown zero outrage.”
(h/t:… pic.twitter.com/wlXvGJK5ZQ
Moreover, Jefferson openly spoke about the scandal Leonard is in, and made it clear that players are not upset at the fact that Leonard was handed close to $30 million off the record.
This is crucial news, and it could play a role in the consequences if the two-time champion actually did discover an underground path to circumvention, which was last done by Joe Smith and the Minnesota Timberwolves ages ago.
Richard Jefferson’s words have implications for the penalty Kawhi Leonard could receive
The only way Kawhi Leonard would be slowed down this season after dominating training camp would be a suspension for the scandal he is in, if found guilty. Otherwise, players find joy in seeing Leonard prosper, even if he is causing havoc to defenses, as many admire his game, approach, and the work he puts in.
Furthermore, Richard Jefferson is a former player who still has ties in the NBA. He was part of the iconic Cleveland Cavaliers team that came back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals and has played for numerous head coaches alongside the best of the best.
Thus, if Jefferson is saying that players around the league are unhinged on Leonard being paid under the table, he is likely right. What adds significance to his stance is that multiple people on the show next to him also agreed.
With this information, Adam Silver may still feel inclined to impose a severe punishment on Leonard and the LA Clippers, but to a lesser extent, knowing that it would not alter the thoughts of those watching the situation unfold from a distance.
That said, the perception of people within the league certainly holds weight in the situation. Yet, before the investigation ends, Silver must take the people’s point of view with a grain of salt and primarily consider the facts of what really happened and the order in which they occurred.