TITLE: Ballmer Donation Surfaces as Clippers, Leonard Stand by NBA Inquiry; Beal and Bogdanovic Limited for Camp, Collins Slotted at Power Forward
SLUG: ballmer-donation-investigation-clippers-updates
CONTENT:
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer gave $1.875 million in December 2024 to the Golden State Opportunity Fund, a charity founded by former Aspiration executive Joe Sanberg, according to Pablo Torre’s “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast released Monday. The contribution was made more than 18 months after the Clippers cut ties with Aspiration and nearly a year after public reports revealed a federal probe into the now-bankrupt “green bank.” Sanberg’s alleged co-conspirator had been arrested only weeks before the donation.
The NBA has retained a law firm to determine whether the Clippers and forward Kawhi Leonard violated salary-cap rules through past agreements with Aspiration. Speaking Monday, president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said the club “feels confident” it acted properly and welcomed the league’s review.
Leonard dismissed the allegations, telling reporters he is focused on the upcoming season. “This is old — we already knew this was going to happen,” he said, repeatedly referring to “conspiracies.”
Injury and Roster Notes
Guard Bradley Beal underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee after last season, when he played through inflammation with Phoenix. The 31-year-old, who joined the Clippers on a two-year deal that includes a second-year player option, said the procedure alleviated discomfort and that he feels “good and ready to go.” The team expects him to participate on a limited basis when training camp opens.
Shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, rehabbing a torn hamstring, will also be limited. Leonard has no restrictions and will practice in full.
Beal said he enjoys living in Los Angeles and has discussed the possibility of finishing his career with the Clippers. Acknowledging that he will not be a primary scorer, the three-time All-Star welcomed the challenge of taking on tougher defensive matchups.
Head coach Tyronn Lue plans to deploy newly acquired John Collins primarily at power forward while using the 28-year-old as a backup center when needed. Acquired in the three-team deal that moved Norman Powell to Miami, Collins is owed $26.58 million this season and will enter free agency next summer.
Source: Hoops Rumors
