The stakes for Kawhi Leonard appear far greater than previously understood as the NBA navigates an unprecedented case with potentially career-altering consequences.
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, Leonard himself could face punishment ranging from a substantial suspension to the most severe possible outcome: having his contract voided.
“The absolute worst is Kawhi Leonard’s contract being voided, or him being suspended for a significant period of time,” Charania said on the “Shump Street” podcast. “Whether it’s 20, 40 games or the entire season, it all comes down to the evidence and what’s found in the investigation.”
Advertisement
The league’s inquiry began with Leonard’s reported $28 million endorsement agreement with Aspiration, an environmental company in which Clippers owner Steve Ballmer invested heavily.
Leonard was traded to the Raptors a few weeks ago, but that trade is on hold until the investigation is complete. Getty Images
Leonard never appeared in a public campaign for the company, raising questions about whether the arrangement served as compensation outside his NBA contract.
The investigation has since reportedly expanded. According to The Athletic, the outside law firm handling the case has examined whether the Clippers paid certain expenses for Leonard without being reimbursed and whether he had another previously undisclosed endorsement agreement.
Commissioner Adam Silver clarified that the NBA did not block the transaction, but said both teams understood the investigation would continue. AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura
No finding of wrongdoing has been announced, and Leonard has denied participating in any effort to circumvent the salary cap. The Clippers have also repeatedly denied funneling money to their star through Aspiration.
Advertisement
Charania stressed that Leonard’s punishment would depend on whether investigators uncover evidence showing he knowingly participated in an improper arrangement. If the inquiry finds wrongdoing by the organization but cannot connect Leonard directly, the league could focus its penalties on the Clippers instead.
The uncertainty has already affected Leonard’s basketball future.
The Clippers and Raptors reportedly agreed to pause a potential trade because Toronto would inherit the risk of any punishment attached to Leonard. Commissioner Adam Silver clarified that the NBA did not block the transaction, but said both teams understood the investigation would continue regardless of where Leonard played.
Silver expects the independent review to conclude this summer.
Advertisement
Until then, Leonard remains caught between a possible return to Toronto and penalties that could range from manageable to career-altering.
As Charania made clear, everything now depends on what investigators can prove.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!
