Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer said the organization never tried to bypass NBA salary-cap rules through Kawhi Leonard’s endorsement contract with the now-bankrupt financial firm Aspiration, speaking Thursday night during an interview with ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne on SportsCenter.
Ballmer explained that Aspiration requested an introduction to Leonard in November 2021, shortly after the forward finalized a four-year, $176 million contract with the team. Ballmer said he complied with the request but had no further involvement and never saw the terms Leonard ultimately signed.
Clippers’ Arena Sponsorship Preceded Leonard Introduction
Two months before Ballmer made the connection, Aspiration reached a $300 million agreement with the Clippers that included a jersey patch and sponsorship at the franchise’s new arena. According to Ballmer, the company also sought naming rights but was outbid by Intuit.
“We were done with Kawhi, we were done with Aspiration—the deals were locked and loaded,” Ballmer told Shelburne. “They later asked to be introduced to Kawhi, and under league rules we can connect sponsors with players, but we can’t be involved.”
Federal Probe of Aspiration
Aspiration filed for bankruptcy in March 2025. Court documents list KL2 Aspire LLC—managed by Leonard—as a creditor owed $7 million. Co-founder Joe Sanberg pleaded guilty in August 2025 to two counts of wire fraud tied to more than $248 million in losses to investors and lenders.
Ballmer said he cooperated with a Department of Justice investigation and located the original introduction email from early November 2021. “I eventually learned they had reached a deal. I have no idea what that deal was,” he said, adding that the company “conned” him and other investors.
NBA Opens Inquiry
The league has launched its own investigation into the Clippers and Leonard’s ties to Aspiration after reporter Pablo Torre alleged this week that Leonard never performed any work for the firm. Ballmer said he supports the NBA’s review.
The Clippers were previously cleared in a 2019 league inquiry into claims that Leonard and his uncle, Dennis Robertson, sought improper benefits—including partial team ownership, a private jet, a house, and guaranteed endorsements—while Leonard was a free agent.
Ballmer told Shelburne he has not discussed the latest accusations with Leonard and does not plan to. “It’s really his business with Aspiration,” he said.
Source: Hoops Rumors
