Kawhi Leonard Interviewed as NBA Wraps Up Aspiration Salary‑Cap Probe

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard and his uncle and adviser Dennis Robertson have been interviewed by the independent law firm hired by the NBA to investigate a suspected salary‑cap circumvention involving the green‑banking startup Aspiration. The probe, originally sparked by journalist Pablo Torre’s reporting, alleges that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer’s $50 million investment in Aspiration and a $28 million player contract with Leonard were used to funnel additional compensation to the player, violating league salary‑cap rules. The league also examined a broader $300 million partnership between the Clippers and Aspiration tied to the Intuit Dome.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the investigation is "far along" and the league is close to concluding it, though no timeline or public findings have been released. All parties—including Leonard, Ballmer and the Clippers organization—have denied wrongdoing. The case is further complicated by the recent sentencing of Aspiration co‑founder Joe Sandberg to 14 years in federal prison for fraud. Potential NBA sanctions could include fines, loss of draft picks, suspensions of players, owners or executives, or contract nullifications, depending on the final determination.