NBA Investigating Clippers Over Kawhi Leonard Endorsement Deal

Commissioner Adam Silver confirms probe into alleged salary cap circumvention is ongoing

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The NBA has launched an investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers and star player Kawhi Leonard over allegations of a questionable endorsement deal designed to help the team circumvent the league's salary cap rules. Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the probe is ongoing, though he declined to share specifics. The Clippers and Leonard have denied any wrongdoing, but potential penalties could include fines and the loss of future draft picks if the franchise is found guilty.

Why it matters

The NBA takes salary cap violations extremely seriously, as they are intended to promote competitive balance across the league. If the allegations against the Clippers are proven true, it could have significant implications for the team's roster construction and future success, as well as Leonard's standing within the league.

The details

The controversy erupted after a report claimed Leonard received $28 million through a fraudulent endorsement arrangement to help the Clippers work around the salary cap. The NBA launched a formal investigation, which is being overseen by an independent law firm. The Clippers and Leonard have denied any wrongdoing, but potential consequences could include heavy fines and the forfeiture of future draft picks for the team, as well as the voiding of Leonard's current contract.

  • The investigation was launched in the 2025 NBA offseason after the initial report surfaced.
  • On February 14, 2026, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed the probe is still ongoing.

The players

Adam Silver

The current Commissioner of the National Basketball Association.

Kawhi Leonard

A 34-year-old star forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, who is at the center of the alleged salary cap scandal.

Steve Ballmer

The owner of the Los Angeles Clippers.

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What they’re saying

“I haven't come to any decisions whatsoever yet on the Clippers matter. As you know, the league office is not directly running the investigation. It's being overseen by a law firm, Wachtel, in New York. From everything I've been told, the Clippers have been fully cooperative. But as I said, I'm not involved day-to-day in the investigation.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner (NBA Courtside)

“For the people that don't know, you should just see the hard work that I put in. You don't get to see the behind the scenes. To keep getting to a level that I'm getting to, it's definitely mentally challenging and physically as well. A lot of people definitely can't do it.”

— Kawhi Leonard (totalprosports.com)

What’s next

The NBA is expected to conclude its investigation in the coming months, at which point Commissioner Silver will determine if any penalties will be imposed on the Clippers organization or Kawhi Leonard.

The takeaway

This case highlights the NBA's commitment to enforcing its salary cap rules, which are designed to promote competitive balance across the league. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for the Clippers' roster and Leonard's future, underscoring the high stakes involved in alleged salary cap violations.