Los Angeles Clippers' Kawhi Leonard Breaks His Silence on the Team's Alleged Cap Circumvention Scandal: May 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard Breaks His Silence on the Team’s Alleged Cap Circumvention Scandal: 'We Invite the Investigations'

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 7:51 AM ET

The Los Angeles Clippers have been embroiled in controversy involving Kawhi Leonard, as investigative journalist Pablo Torre alleged that the team circumvented the salary cap to pay the two-time NBA champion.

Speaking at the team’s Media Day last weekend, Kawhi Leonard echoed the Los Angeles Clippers’ statement on the allegations, emphasizing that he and his camp did not do anything wrong.

“The NBA is going to do their job,” Leonard said via ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly. “None of us did no wrongdoing. That’s it. We invite the investigations. It’s not going to be a distraction for me or my team.”

Los Angeles Clippers' Kawhi Leonard Breaks His Silence on the Team's Alleged Cap Circumvention Scandal: Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball against Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) during the first quarter at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

“I understand the full contract and the services I had to do. Like I said, I don’t deal with conspiracies or the clickbait analyst or journalism that’s going on. So, that’s what it is. I don’t think it’s accurate, but it’s old. This is all new to you guys. The company went bankrupt a while ago, so we already knew this was going to happen,” he added about his contract with Aspiration.

Los Angeles Clippers president doubles down on Kawhi Leonard’s remarks about Aspiration

Los Angeles Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank also commented on the team’s alleged cap circumvention scandal, admitting he was “hurt” for team owner Steve Ballmer.

May 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer watches his team during warm-ups before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the LA Clippers in game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

“We are glad there’s an investigation, and we welcome it,” Frank stated. “We’re eager for the truth to come out. The assumptions and conclusions that have been made are disappointing and upsetting. We expect the investigation to show that these allegations are wrong.”

“I’m hurt for Steve (Ballmer). He’s one of the best and most honorable people I’ve ever met. He does things the right way for the right reasons. He constantly reminds us to stay on the right side of the rules. We also hurt for our players, our staff, and fans,” he added.