In response to explosive reports alleging that Kawhi Leonard received $28 million through a "no-show" endorsement deal to circumvent the NBA salary cap, the Los Angeles Clippers issued a clear and unequivocal statement denying any wrongdoing.

The team emphasized that neither owner Steve Ballmer nor the franchise engaged in salary cap circumvention or any misconduct relating to Aspiration, the now-bankrupt environmental company at the center of the controversy.

The Clippers stated that the allegations are “provably false” and reinforced that their partnership with Aspiration ended during the 2022-23 season when the company defaulted on its obligations. Furthermore, neither Ballmer nor the Clippers were aware of any unlawful activity by Aspiration or its leadership until the government’s investigation surfaced. 

Clarifying the Relationship with Aspiration and Leonard

The Clippers highlighted that Steve Ballmer’s investment in Aspiration was motivated by the company’s early environmental commitments rather than any intent to skirt rules. They underscored that Aspiration also served as a team sponsor during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons—facts well documented and publicly known.

The franchise maintained that support for players’ independent endorsement deals, like Leonard’s, falls outside the team's operational control or oversight. In their view, there is nothing unusual about team sponsors signing endorsement agreements with players, and to suggest that the Clippers manipulated such arrangements for salary cap advantages is “flat-out wrong.”

The organization expressed confidence in their compliance with NBA regulations and stated they welcome any investigation to clarify the facts.

Commitment to Cooperation and Integrity

Closing their statement, the Clippers affirmed their respect for the NBA’s rules and their willingness to cooperate fully with law enforcement and league investigators. They conveyed that they take compliance seriously and dismissed the notion that the franchise or its leadership consciously violated salary cap rules.

The Clippers expressed hope that the ongoing investigative process would exonerate them and protect the integrity of the team’s operations amidst an onslaught of public speculation and media scrutiny. This firm stance signals the franchise’s intention to defend its reputation vigorously as the details continue to unfold.