Jan 6, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles past Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

'This Too Shall Pass' – Los Angeles Clippers’ Steve Ballmer Gets 100% Real on the Team’s Cap Circumvention Scandal

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 10:22 PM ET

Los Angeles Clippers team owner Steve Ballmer recently cleared the air over the team’s alleged cap circumvention scandal involving star player Kawhi Leonard.

Ballmer reiterated he was “personally defrauded” in his dealings with Aspiration. And while it’s not ideal for him to be in this situation, the Los Angeles Clippers boss is welcoming any investigation conducted by the NBA.

“This is not a fun thing to be through. I was personally defrauded through our interactions with the company and some of the staff. The fraud sort of extended broadly,” Ballmer said via Sports Business Journal.

Oct 14, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer reacts in the game against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

“There’s nothing fun about being highlighted in this way,” he continued. “It’s a whole lot more fun to be highlighted for building a great arena. But this too shall pass. And like I said, I feel very good about what we did, and we welcome the NBA taking a look at it and hopefully agreeing with us.”

Los Angeles Clippers News: Adam Silver opens up on the Kawhi Leonard investigation

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said that he had “never heard of Aspiration before” during a press conference in front of the league’s Board of Governors. But a few days later, Silver came out and said something different at the Tuned In Summit by Front Office Sports.

Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver arrives before the WNBA All-Star Game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

“(Ballmer) has said, that you have said you hadn’t heard of Aspiration before, but a $300 million deal with the team — you know the (company) was going to be a jersey patch sponsor,” the event moderator said. “They had Aspiration on the back of the courtside seats.”

“Just to be clear — I said I never heard of it — I meant in the context of the accusations there. I was certainly aware of the brand.” Many were confused as to why Silver hadn’t heard of the company, but the commissioner cleared it up by making sure fans and media knew it was the accusations he wasn’t aware of,” Silver responded.