NBA Investigation Into Kawhi Leonard Endorsement Deals Nears Conclusion

The NBA's investigation into whether Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard's endorsement deals were used to circumvent the salary cap is nearing its conclusion, with a resolution now expected before the start of training camp in late September. The league's fact-finding phase is complete, leaving Leonard, the Clippers, owner Steve Ballmer, and the rest of the NBA awaiting a verdict that could have significant implications for the player's future and a pending trade.

The investigation centers on a four-year, $28 million endorsement agreement Leonard had with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt environmental company in which Ballmer had personally invested $50 million. The Clippers had also announced a $300 million sponsorship with Aspiration. The probe was expanded after reports surfaced of a second, previously undisclosed sponsorship arrangement between Leonard and Daktronics, the company that built the Clippers' Intuit Dome arena. An anonymous source described the Daktronics deal as another potential means to funnel money to Leonard, allegedly paying him more than $28 million on top of his three-year, $103 million contract with the team.

The Clippers and Ballmer have denied any...