In the NBA, if finances are not handled correctly and business is not done transparently, the truth always comes to light. There are billions of dollars on the move each season, and because the league has eyes everywhere, it is virtually impossible to commit a violation without an inevitable discovery.
Prior to today, one of the most significant news pieces of the offseason surrounded Malik Beasley and the issues he was dealing with off the court. This could not have come at a worse time for Beasley, as he was a free agent and the Detroit Pistons wanted three-point specialist back.
Beasley reached the clear after everything was said and done, but unfortunately, his stock dropped, and he still remains a free agent, the likely best on the market.
Since then, the primary focus has been the EuroBasket, as teams are preparing for training camp, which begins shortly. However, this morning, sources revealed that there could be something serious going on with Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers.
Furthermore, Leonard was said to be participating in a fraudulent endorsement deal with a tree company. Ultimately, the finances were claimed to be supplied by owner Steve Ballmer, and for Leonard, he was what managers in today’s society refer to as ‘no-call-no-show’.
Ballmer supposedly did this to maneuver the salary cap, and if these allegations are factual, the penalties will be extremely serious before the 2025-26 regular season begins.
The LA Clippers could face a significant penalty if the accusations around Kawhi Leonard are true
When the NBA imposes its penalties, they are always a serious matter. It often costs players thousands for actions such as technical fouls or criticism of the officiating done by referees. But, of course, when the severity of a situation increases, the consequences follow.
The LA Clippers’ owner possibly being involved in a scandal with the team’s franchise superstar could lead to fines in the multi-million dollar range. Due to the fact that this is an alleged first offense, LA would be forced to cough up $4.5 million.
NBA penalties for cap circumvention:
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) September 3, 2025
- Fine of up to $4.5 million for a first offense.
- Fine of up to $5.5 million for a second offense.
- Loss of one first-round pick.
- The possibility of voiding contracts that involved circumvention. pic.twitter.com/O6NO9bMWVv
This is a massive figure, and on the larger scale of fines around the NBA, if investigations are held and Leonard is found guilty, along with Ballmer, of trying to dodge the salary cap.
In addition, if true, this detrimental news would hurt the reputation of Leonard, Ballmer, and the Clippers, forcing the team’s public-relations department to find ways to recover.