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NBA teams will be ’emboldened’ to take controversial action depending on LA Clippers investigation result

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Sep 12, 2025 10:00 AM ET

According to Marc Stein, NBA teams are ready to take underhanded measures if the LA Clippers are found innocent.

The LA Clippers have found themselves in the midst of a massive media storm. Pablo Torre’s investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers has brought a lot of unwanted attention to them.

Steve Ballmer denied any Clippers involvement in the deal between Leonard and Aspiration that paid the forward $28 million.

So far, the Clippers have cooperated with the NBA’s investigation, feeling like they have nothing to hide. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t out of the woods just yet.

In fact, even if the Clippers are cleared of any wrongdoing, they may have inspired the rest of the league to adopt a new method when negotiating with players.

Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

NBA teams will look for similar methods to LA Clippers to circumvent salary cap

Jake Fischer of the Stein Line spoke to several NBA executives about the recent investigation from the league into the LA Clippers and Kawhi Leonard.

Many of them told Fischer that if the Clippers don’t face significant punishment or are not found guilty, then they will explore similar avenues to the one the Clippers are accused of to help sign players.

“I’ve spoken to multiple team strategists, for example, who told me, with chests puffed, that if the Clippers aren’t docked multiple first-round picks…

“… If Leonard’s contract isn’t voided while his salary obligations remain on the Clippers’ books, they will feel emboldened to seek out their own version of shell companies to provide additional compensation to their players.”

"I've spoken to multiple team strategists, for example, who told me, with chests puffed, that if the Clippers aren't docked multiple first-round picks — if Leonard's contract isn't voided while his salary obligations remain on the Clippers' books — they will feel emboldened to…
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) September 11, 2025

LA Clippers are caught in a compromising position

The LA Clippers may be open to the investigation that the NBA is conducting. But recently, more information has come to light that doesn’t help their case.

Pablo Torre, the man who unearthed the alleged conspiracy, found out that Clippers minority owner Dennis Wong invested a similar amount of money into Aspiration as was owed to Kawhi Leonard.

Uncle Dennis was reportedly furious after Aspiration was late paying Kawhi Leonard $1.75M. Days later, Clippers minority owner Dennis Wong invested $2M into the failing firm, per @pablofindsout

Ex-staff: “We’re broke… To invest in a broke company is beyond me.” pic.twitter.com/NUuTSpWGss
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 11, 2025