The NBA is challenging assertions made in a recent ESPN piece regarding an inquiry into Los Angeles Clippers’ owner, Steve Ballmer. According to ESPN’s report on Monday, three sources claimed that the NBA’s investigation found no proof of Ballmer using team sponsors to compensate Kawhi Leonard and evade salary cap restrictions.
The article suggested that the NBA’s focus is on whether the team’s introduction of Leonard to sponsors breaches the league’s regulations against avoiding the salary cap. NBA spokesperson Mike Bass refuted the claims in the ESPN article, stating that it contains numerous inaccuracies. Bass mentioned that the outcome of the NBA’s investigation will be disclosed upon its conclusion.
A potential trade between the L.A. Clippers and the Toronto Raptors involving Leonard has been paused pending any disciplinary actions imposed by the league.