NBA refutes ESPN's bombshell Kawhi Leonard-Steve Ballmer report

ESPN responded to the NBA, stating that they are standing by their story.

The Clippers also released a statement, saying they introduced Leonard to sponsors but didn't funnel money to him or "arrange for others to compensate him on our behalf, or otherwise provide him with undisclosed compensation outside of his NBA contract."

The ongoing investigation, which began in September 2025, centers on allegations that Leonard had a $28M "no-show" deal with the now-defunct sustainability company Aspiration, as well as deals with Daktronics and Boingo Wireless. Both businesses have declined to comment to ESPN and other outlets. 

ESPN reported the NBA already presented its findings to the Clippers in July, and both sides have been discussing a resolution. Ballmer has threatened to pursue arbitration if the league finds the Clippers circumvented the salary cap, which can result in fines, loss of draft picks and voided contracts. 

Leonard's trade to the Toronto Raptors remains on hold as the investigation unfolds. Neither party believes his contract will be voided as a result of the investigation and is operating as if the trade will go through. 

That said, neither Leonard nor the Raptors will be 100 percent certain until the investigation concludes, and it appears it will be a while before that happens. Figure on the NBA trying to wrap it up before Toronto tips off its season against the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 21.