NBA reportedly probing another Kawhi Leonard endorsement deal amid nearly yearlong Aspiration investigation

Key Points:

• The Toronto Raptors' trade with the Los Angeles Clippers involving Kawhi Leonard is on hold pending the NBA's investigation into a no-work, multi-million dollar endorsement deal Leonard signed with bankrupt company Aspiration, which may have been used by the Clippers to circumvent the salary cap.
• The law firm Wachtell Lipton is investigating whether the Clippers manipulated the cap through Leonard's deal with Aspiration, if Leonard had other unreported endorsements, and whether the Clippers improperly covered expenses for Leonard.
• If Leonard faces punishment from the NBA, the Raptors could back out of the trade, which would send Leonard back to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and multiple future draft picks.
• The investigation, ongoing for nearly 11 months, has involved interviews with Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, Leonard, Aspiration executives, and others, amid growing expectations that the league may punish the Clippers.
• Aspiration co-founder Joe Sanberg pleaded guilty to wire fraud related to defrauding investors of $248 million, and Aspiration's failed attempts to market Leonard as a spokesperson have also been highlighted, adding complexity to the NBA probe.