LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has spoken publicly for the first time on the alleged salary cap circumvention first reported by investigative journalist Pablo Torre on his podcast.
Kawhi Leonard has finally broke his silence.
The two-time champion and Finals MVP denied accusations that the Los Angeles Clippers circumvented the NBA’s salary cap through his endorsement deal with the now-bankrupt company Aspiration.
“None of us did any wrongdoing,” Leonard said at the team’s preseason media day, his first public comments since journalist Pablo Torre reported on his "Pablo Torre Finds Out" podcast about links between Leonard’s deal and Clippers owner Steve Ballmer.
The podcast claimed Ballmer funneled Leonard an extra $28 million through Aspiration, which signed a $300 million partnership with the Clippers in 2021, around the same time Leonard agreed to a four-year, $173 million extension.
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Since then, the NBA has launched an investigation after critics questioned whether Leonard performed any actual endorsement work.
[ALSO READ: Adam Silver says he will let Kawhi Leonard, Clippers salary cap probe 'run its course']
“I mean, the NBA is going to do their job. And that’s it. We invite the investigation,” Leonard said.
Clippers president Lawrence Frank echoed Leonard’s confidence, saying the organization welcomes the inquiry.
“We appreciate that there’ll be a clear-eyed look at these allegations, and we’re eager for the truth to come out.
The assumptions and conclusions that have been made are disappointing and upsetting, and we expect the investigation will show that these allegations are wrong,” Frank said.
Earlier, Ballmer also denied the allegations and insisted the Clippers have "abided by the salary-cap circumvention rules" and have "nothing to hide" surrounding the accusations thrown at them.
[ALSO READ: Ballmer denies alleged Clippers salary cap circumvention for Leonard; Torre stands firm]
For Leonard, the chatter is just background noise.
“It’s about the season and what we’ve got ahead of us right now. Tomorrow we’ll start camp and see what we’ve got,” the 34-year-old veteran said.
Leonard is entering his sixth season with the Clippers, who got bounced in the opening round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets. The six-time All-Star averaged 21.3 points --- his lowest since the 2017-18 season --- in 31 games last season with LA.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.