NBA Commissioner Says Kawhi Leonard Investigation Must End Before Next Season

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Tuesday the investigation into alleged salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers must conclude before the start of the next season. Silver told reporters after a board of governors meeting that he remained hopeful the matter would wrap up this summer.

The league instructed the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz in September to examine claims that the Clippers routed money to Leonard through his $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration.

The company held a separate $300 million, 23-year deal with the team, and owner Steve Ballmer invested $60 million in Aspiration. Ballmer has denied knowledge of Leonard's arrangement and met with the firm's lawyers last week in New York City. A reported trade sending Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap and two second-round picks was agreed to on June 30.

The Clippers and Raptors issued statements last Thursday placing the deal on hold until the investigation ends. The Clippers said the trade can only be finalized if the Raptors' ownership assumes the risk of any penalties tied to Leonard's contract. Silver said the league did not pause the trade.

The parties decided not to proceed while the investigation remained open, he said. If the probe finds Leonard violated salary cap rules, the NBA could void his contract or fine him up to $350,000. The board of governors also heard presentations this week on expansion in Las Vegas and Seattle after voting in March to explore the idea.

Silver said multiple serious ownership groups in Las Vegas are presenting plans. The board elected Miami Heat owner Micky Arison as its next chairman.