Is This NBA’s Biggest Cover-Up? Kawhi Leonard’s $28 Million ‘Ghost Job’ Under Fire

In a major developing story shaking the NBA world, Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard is at the center of a reported $28 million scandal that could have significant consequences for the franchise and its ownership. According to journalist Pablo Torre, Leonard was allegedly paid $28 million through a “no-show job” with a company funded by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, potentially violating the league’s strict salary cap regulations.

The Allegations: A $28 Million Deal for Doing Nothing?

The controversy came to light during an episode of Pablo Torre’s investigative show, Pablo Torre Finds Out, which aired Wednesday. The episode, which includes direct references to legal documents, outlines how Aspiration, a now-bankrupt tree-planting company backed by Ballmer, entered into a $28 million agreement with KL2 Aspire LLC, a company owned by Kawhi Leonard.

Torre’s investigation found no substantial evidence that Leonard ever promoted or endorsed Aspiration. In fact, one clause in the contract between Aspiration and KL2 Aspire LLC reportedly allowed Leonard to “decline to proceed with any action desired by the Company,” effectively authorizing him to receive payment without performing any duties.

Moreover, the agreement included another crucial stipulation: Leonard would only be paid if he remained a member of the Los Angeles Clippers. This raises serious questions about whether the deal was structured as a workaround to compensate Leonard beyond what is permitted under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement.

NBA Responds: Official Investigation Underway

An NBA spokesperson confirmed to Yahoo Sports that the league is aware of Torre’s report and is commencing an investigation into the matter. Given the NBA’s longstanding efforts to enforce financial fairness through its salary cap system, the league is expected to treat this situation with the utmost seriousness.

The Clippers organization responded swiftly, releasing a detailed statement denying any wrongdoing. “The notion that Steve invested in Aspiration in order to funnel money to Kawhi Leonard is absurd,” the team said. They also added that they “welcome the NBA’s investigation” and are confident that the facts will absolve them of any rule violations.

Background: The Company at the Heart of the Scandal

Aspiration, the company involved in the reported $28 million payment, was a startup focused on climate initiatives like tree planting. It was financially backed by Steve Ballmer, one of the richest owners in sports and a former CEO of Microsoft. According to Torre’s findings, multiple employees from Aspiration confirmed under condition of anonymity that the agreement with Leonard was internally regarded as a means to “circumvent the salary cap.”

One former employee, who appeared in Torre’s video interview with their voice disguised, claimed that the entire setup was seen internally as questionable. While there is no public evidence yet proving Leonard’s direct involvement in structuring the agreement, the implication that he benefited from the arrangement is enough to trigger league scrutiny.

A Familiar Name Resurfaces: Dennis “Uncle Dennis” Robertson

Another layer to this developing story involves Dennis Robertson, known colloquially in NBA circles as Uncle Dennis. Robertson has long served as Leonard’s personal advisor and was previously the subject of a 2019 NBA investigation.

At that time, the NBA looked into whether the Clippers offered Robertson illegal benefits to help lure Kawhi Leonard during his free agency decision. While the league found no wrongdoing then, Torre’s new report reveals that Aspiration’s communications related to the KL2 Aspire deal were sent directly to Robertson.

Given the previous scrutiny surrounding Robertson, this revelation may give the league cause to revisit its earlier findings or at least consider whether prior red flags should have received more attention.

Kawhi Leonard’s Contract History with the Clippers

The financial relationship between Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers is well-documented through his formal NBA contracts. Leonard signed with the Clippers in 2019 on a three-year, $104 million deal. He later signed a four-year, $176 million extension in 2021, followed by another three-year, $149 million extension in 2024.

If the alleged $28 million payment from Aspiration is confirmed as a form of unauthorized compensation tied to his status as a Clippers player, it could mean that Leonard’s total earnings from the team — whether directly or indirectly — far exceeded what is permitted under NBA rules.

Salary Cap Implications: Why This Matters to the NBA

The NBA salary cap is designed to ensure competitive balance by limiting how much teams can spend on player salaries. Circumventing the cap — whether through under-the-table deals, shell companies, or unrelated business agreements — threatens the integrity of the league’s financial ecosystem.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has previously described such actions as a “cardinal sin” of the league. Back in 2019, during the first wave of speculation regarding Robertson’s alleged demands for illegal perks, Silver indicated that any new evidence would justify re-opening the investigation.

Now that new information has come to light, the league appears poised to do exactly that.

What Happens Next?

With the NBA now actively investigating the matter, several outcomes are possible:

• The league could impose fines or sanctions on the Clippers if they determine rules were broken.

• The Clippers could potentially lose draft picks or be barred from making certain transactions.

• If Leonard is found complicit in any wrongdoing, he could face disciplinary action, including fines or suspensions.

• Steve Ballmer’s role could also come under more scrutiny, especially if the investigation proves he used his financial ventures to benefit team operations off the books.

For now, the league has not issued a formal timeline for the investigation. However, given the potential severity of the allegations, fans and analysts expect updates in the coming weeks.

Final Thoughts: Transparency and Trust at Stake

This scandal — centered around a reported $28 million “no-show job” involving Kawhi Leonard — underscores the delicate balance between financial innovation and ethical boundaries in professional sports. While owners like Ballmer have the resources to explore various business ventures, the line becomes blurred when those ventures appear to benefit players in ways that bypass established rules.

Whether or not the NBA finds sufficient evidence to punish the Clippers or Leonard, the situation raises serious concerns about how teams manage player relationships in the era of player empowerment and multi-billion-dollar franchises.

As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on the league’s commitment to enforcing its rules, ensuring transparency, and protecting the long-term integrity of the NBA.