NBA Investigates Alleged Improper Payments to Clippers' Kawhi Leonard

Commissioner Adam Silver says probe is "complex" as Leonard prepares to play in All-Star Game

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The NBA is investigating allegations that Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard received $28 million through a fraudulent endorsement deal to help the team evade the salary cap. Commissioner Adam Silver says the independent investigation is ongoing and "complex," with no timeline affected by the All-Star Weekend festivities taking place at the Clippers' Intuit Dome. Leonard maintains he has done nothing wrong and is focused on playing in his seventh career All-Star Game.

Why it matters

The allegations, if proven true, would represent a major scandal for the NBA and the Clippers organization. Salary cap circumvention is a serious offense that could result in severe penalties. The investigation also raises questions about the integrity of the league's financial regulations and player compensation structures.

The details

According to a report from journalist Pablo Torre, documents related to a bankruptcy filing indicate that Leonard was paid $7 million per year through a fraudulent endorsement deal with a company called Aspiration. Torre noted that Leonard has never publicly referenced the company, unlike other celebrities who have endorsement deals with Aspiration.

  • Ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season, a report alleged that Kawhi Leonard received improper payments.
  • The NBA's investigation into the matter is ongoing as of NBA All-Star Weekend 2026.

The players

Kawhi Leonard

A seven-time NBA All-Star and superstar forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, who is at the center of the league's investigation into alleged improper payments.

Adam Silver

The NBA Commissioner, who addressed the status of the investigation during All-Star Weekend and stated that it is being overseen by an independent law firm.

Pablo Torre

A journalist who reported on the allegations, obtaining documents related to a bankruptcy filing that included references to payments made to Leonard.

Aspiration

A tree-planting company that allegedly made improper payments to Leonard through a fraudulent endorsement deal.

Wachtel

The New York law firm overseeing the NBA's independent investigation into the allegations against Leonard and the 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.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner (foxla.com)

“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 (foxla.com)

“You have a company in bankruptcy. You have thousands of documents, multiple witnesses that have needed to be interviewed. Just in case anyone's wondering, the fact that All-Star is here this weekend has had no impact on the timeline of the investigation.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner (foxla.com)

“I'm not looking for handouts. I was just going to keep putting in the work. I didn't get down. There was a lot going on at that time as well. I just wanted to focus on the team. And like I said, for everybody that got the nod, they deserved it.”

— Kawhi Leonard (foxla.com)

“I don't think Adam Silver would let something like that play into how a player is playing on the court. Especially me.”

— Kawhi Leonard (foxla.com)

What’s next

The NBA's independent investigation into the alleged improper payments to Kawhi Leonard is ongoing, with no timeline for its completion. The league has stated that the Clippers have been fully cooperative, and Commissioner Adam Silver has emphasized that the investigation is complex due to the bankruptcy of the company involved and the need to review thousands of documents and interview multiple witnesses.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the NBA's commitment to maintaining the integrity of its financial regulations and player compensation structures. The allegations, if proven true, could have significant consequences for the Clippers organization and the league as a whole. However, the NBA's measured approach and reliance on an independent law firm to oversee the probe suggest a thorough and impartial process, which will be crucial in determining the facts and any potential wrongdoing.