The NBA has found no evidence that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funneled money through team sponsors to pay Kawhi Leonard and circumvent the salary cap. The league is instead examining whether the team’s introductions of Leonard to sponsors violate rules prohibiting salary‑cap circumvention and whether the Clippers failed to supervise employees.

The 11‑month investigation began after a 2025 report citing internal documents that Ballmer invested $50 million in the now‑defunct green bank Aspiration. The Clippers signed a $300 million deal with Aspiration in 2021, and Leonard later signed a $28 million endorsement with the firm. ci

Sources say the league has not found evidence that Ballmer funneled money to Leonard. Negotiations between Ballmer’s counsel, NBA general counsel, and the league have been “spirited,” according to a source.

The NBA remains focused on whether the Clippers’ introduction of Leonard to sponsors constitutes a rule violation and whether the team should be penalized for “failure to supervise.” The outcome will be decided after the investigation concludes and may involve arbitration if the NBA finds misconduct.