Clippers Notes: Derrick Jones Jr., Kawhi Leonard investigation

Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. has been ordered to pay his former agent, Aaron Turner, the full 4% commission from his current contract, per Michael McCann of Sportico.

An arbitrator ruled that Jones failed to give Turner the required 15 days’ written notice before terminating their agreement.

That means Turner is owed $1.2 million from Jones’ three-year, $30 million deal with the Clippers.

Jones testified that he negotiated the deal directly with the team after being “furious” with a prior Mavericks offer of three years, $27 million.

He attempted to waive the notice period with Turner, but Turner declined.

Potential Clippers Penalties in Kawhi Case

So what happens if the NBA determines the Clippers circumvented the salary cap through Kawhi Leonard’s controversial Aspiration endorsement deal?

John Hollinger of The Athletic reports the league has a wide range of punishments available.

That could include a fine of up to $7.5 million for the team, a $350,000 fine for Leonard, the loss of draft picks, suspensions for owner Steve Ballmer or other team officials, and even voiding Leonard’s contract.

Hollinger notes the latter scenario could have wild ripple effects — Leonard would become a free agent and could sign with a contender for the minimum.

Silver: ‘We Will Get to the Bottom of It’

Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the matter at the Front Office Sports conference, via Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic.

Silver said the league has retained an outside law firm and added: “We will get to the bottom of it. I don’t know anything about Kawhi’s deal. Show, no show; we’ll certainly find out.”