A bombshell report alleging the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard pulled off a deal to circumvent the NBA’s salary cap has left fans furious and calling for swift action. Reports from the “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast revealed that Clippers owners invested in a company called ‘Aspiration’, which then signed a $28 million endorsement deal with Leonard.
However, it was a no-show deal as Leonard never advertised for the company. Furthermore, reports added that the Cippers made $21 million for the company before Leonard’s first payment.
How Are Fans Reacting to the Kawhi Leonard-Clippers Scandal?
Considering various developments, fans were quick to react on social media. After all, this could be the most significant case of a team circumventing a salary cap in the league.
Yet, most fans remained frustrated, rallying for the Clippers scandal to end–even if it meant voiding Leonard’s contract.
“Bruh I’m so tired of the Kawhi news cycle…. wrap the investigation up & void that contract,” one fan wrote.
“NBA should void Leonard’s contract. Clippers should not get any draft picks taken away but should not be allowed to trade for a first round pick that conveys in 26-28,” another fan noted.
Furthermore, many believed potential penalties for the Clippers could include a fine, loss of draft picks, and eventual voiding of Leonard’s contract. However, many compared the situation to Joe Smith and the Minnesota Timberwolves getting caught for the same, resulting in a heavier punishment.
“Compared to what is alleged and what happened to the Timberwolves for a much less egregious offense, this seems light,” one fan observed.
The Timberwolves were fined $3.5 million and lost five first-round draft pick, which would be nothing in comparison to the Clippers’ predicted $7.5 million fine.
“The fines are just tip money for the billionaires. The real penalties are those that impact the team competitiveness, or a forced sale of the team,” another user noted.
“Seems like the penalty should be stiff so you set a good example here. This type of blatant illegal circumvention of the salary cap is completely unacceptable,” one NBA fan said.
One fan, decoding the possible consequences, added: “So would the Clippers’ salary cap just be free of his contract once it’s voided? They should have to continue to pay it to the league – otherwise, this looks like an easy way to get out of Kawhi’s albatross contract with his injury issues.”
The NBA Won’t Have an Answer for the Leonard-Clippers Issue Until the All-Star Game in 2026
Despite all the speculations, the NBA is supposed to give a verdict during the All-Star game.
The NBA does not expect to have a resolution on the Kawhi Leonard salary cap circumvention investigation until after the All-Star Game.
The #Clippers host the All-Star Game.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) September 18, 2025
Los Angeles will host the next NBA All-Star game on February 15, 2026. The Clippers, probably nearing the end of Leonard’s era, could benefit from a late verdict as they can plan around it, especially if the organization continues to rebuild without Leonard.
