Insider hints at deeper reason behind Kawhi Leonard’s All-Star snub

When the NBA announced its All-Star reserves, the conversation immediately turned to who didn't make it. Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard's name came up more than most.

Leonard getting left off caught attention for a few reasons. He's having a career year in scoring and from the free-throw line. The game is at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. His team's building is hosting the event, and he won't be playing in it.

This would've been Leonard's seventh All-Star nod. Instead, he'll be watching from home.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst shared his insider information on "NBA Today" on Monday and connected the snub to something that's been floating around the league for months, the Aspiration scandal.

"The reaction in the league has been kind of universal between the executives that I've talked to, which is, Kawhi Leonard doesn't make the team. So, okay, that happens, players get snubbed. Kawhi's numbers are phenomenal; the game is obviously at Intuit Dome. And the wonder is, did he not make this team because the coaches didn't vote for him because of the accusations of the improper contract?" Windhorst said.

Through 35 games, Leonard is averaging 27.6 points, along with 6.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. Moreover, he is converting 49.5 percent of his shots overall, knocking down 39.1 percent from three and hitting a career-high 92.1 percent of his free throws this year.