Clippers' Frank Addresses Aspiration Investigation After Trades

Los Angeles Clippers executive Lawrence Frank says ongoing NBA probe did not impact team's trade deadline moves.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 11:07am

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Los Angeles Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank addressed the ongoing NBA investigation into the team's alleged no-show deal with Kawhi Leonard, stating that it did not impact their trade deadline activity. The Clippers made surprising moves at the deadline, trading away James Harden and Ivica Zubac, but Frank insisted the investigation was not a factor in those decisions.

Why it matters

The Clippers' trades at the deadline raised questions about whether the league's investigation into the team's alleged salary cap circumvention with Kawhi Leonard played a role. Frank's comments aim to dispel those concerns and maintain that the Clippers are confident they are 'on the right side' of the investigation.

The details

Frank stated that the Clippers have not learned anything new about the investigation since it was first reported on in September. He said the team feels the same way they did then, that they are 'on the right side of this' and the investigation does not impact their day-to-day operations. The investigation was prompted by reporting from ESPN's Pablo Torre into the alleged Leonard controversy.

  • The NBA investigation into the Clippers began in September 2025.
  • The Clippers made trades involving James Harden and Ivica Zubac at the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

The players

Lawrence Frank

President of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Kawhi Leonard

Star player for the Los Angeles Clippers who is at the center of the alleged salary cap circumvention investigation.

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What they’re saying

“We haven't learned anything more than we have in September. We know it's out there, we know at some point there'll be a decision made. We very much feel the same thing that we told you back in September, that we're on the right side of this. It really doesn't impact anything we do on a daily basis.”

— Lawrence Frank, President of Basketball Operations, Los Angeles Clippers

What’s next

The NBA has not indicated when it will reach a decision on the investigation into the Clippers' alleged no-show deal with Kawhi Leonard.

The takeaway

The Clippers' trades at the deadline suggest they are focused on the future, despite the ongoing NBA investigation. Lawrence Frank's comments indicate the team is confident in its position and believes the probe will not impact its day-to-day operations or decision-making.