How the LA Clippers really feel about ongoing investigation into Kawhi Leonard deal revealed

LA Clippers welcome NBA investigation, want to avoid ‘murder charge’

Dave McMenamin spoke on NBA Today about what he is hearing from sources within the LA Clippers organization. The Clippers are well aware of the severity of what they’re being investigated over.

However, much like what Steve Ballmer told Ramona Shelburne, they’re open to the investigation and cooperating with officials, as the owner is furious about the situation becoming what it has.

“I was told by a Clippers source, ‘We recognize regular tampering to be like a speeding ticket; salary cap circumvention is a red line. That’s a murder charge,’ the source told me.

“There is a belief within the Clippers right now that they are welcoming the league’s investigation. They are glad to have professionals be able to review documents, as Ballmer told Ramona. They’ve already prepared for the DOJ investigation.

“Ballmer told us that he was hurt and angry; he may be a little embarrassed, too, because he did bring this company deal to the table. Maybe he didn’t vet them enough.” 

NBA must reveal the results of the negotiation as soon as possible

While the NBA has not set any fixed timeline for how long this negotiation and subsequent deliberation will take, one would have to imagine they’re treating it with the utmost urgency.

If the Clippers are found guilty, Ballmer faces huge ramifications, as the NBA will likely come down hard on both the owner and the organization to warn other NBA teams not to engage in similar activity.

Even if Ballmer didn’t know what was going on, this still isn’t a good look for him. Bill Simmons questioned how Ballmer and the Clippers missed such a flagrant flouting of the rules.

The Clippers will be hoping that the NBA deems them innocent of any wrongdoing, but as things stand, they are working with the league to ensure that justice is carried out.