NBA reportedly 'found no evidence' Clippers, Ballmer funneled money to Kawhi Leonard

Key Points:

• An investigation into whether LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer circumvented the NBA salary cap by funneling money to Kawhi Leonard through sponsors found no direct evidence, according to an ESPN report, though the NBA is still examining potential rule violations related to salary cap circumvention and team supervision.
• The investigation focused heavily on endorsement deals with companies tied to the Clippers, including Aspiration, whose founder was convicted of fraud; these deals appeared to be "no-show" endorsements intended to bypass salary cap rules, but Clippers and Ballmer deny wrongdoing.
• The NBA is considering penalties such as fines, draft pick losses, or suspensions for the Clippers, Ballmer, and possibly Leonard, though the players' union would likely resist suspensions for Leonard; any punishment would require arbitration and could be appealed, potentially dragging the case into 2027.
• Settlement talks between the NBA, the Clippers, and involved parties are underway but have been described as "spirited," with a resolution needed before the upcoming NBA season and training camp to avoid further complications, including the pending Kawhi Leonard trade to Toronto.
• The ongoing investigation and unresolved trade are delaying other league business, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has emphasized the need to conclude the matter swiftly, ideally before the start of the new season.