NBA Probe Into Kawhi Leonard Must End Before 2026-27 Season, Silver Says

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Tuesday that an investigation into alleged salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers must conclude before the 2026-27 season begins. Silver told reporters after a board of governors meeting in Las Vegas that he remained hopeful the matter would finish this summer, though he acknowledged it has already lasted longer than expected.

The league directed the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz in September to examine whether the Clippers funneled money to Leonard through his $28 million endorsement agreement with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt company that also held a $300 million, 23-year endorsement contract with the team.

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, who invested $60 million in Aspiration, has denied knowledge of Leonard's deal and met with the investigators last week in New York City. Silver attributed delays to legal complications such as bankruptcy proceedings and reluctant witnesses. He said the league's general counsel receives weekly updates but has not yet seen a final report.

A reported trade sending Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, multiple first-round picks and two second-round picks was agreed to on June 30 but placed on hold last week. The Clippers stated the deal could proceed only if Toronto's ownership assumed any risk of penalties tied to Leonard's contract.

The Raptors said they remain interested in acquiring Leonard but will wait for the investigation to end.

Silver said the league did not halt the trade. The parties decided not to move forward while the probe remained open, he said. If violations are found, the NBA could void Leonard's contract or fine him up to $350,000.