NBA Roundup: Leonard Investigation May Extend to 2026; Warriors Projection Surges; Butler Nursing Ankle; Blazers Sale Advances
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LOS ANGELES — The NBA’s review of whether the LA Clippers used an illicit endorsement arrangement to pay Kawhi Leonard could remain active until after the 2026 postseason, sources told ESPN.
Clippers
The league has retained law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to determine if the franchise violated salary-cap rules through a reported no-show deal with the green-bank company Aspiration. ESPN’s Bobby Marks and Baxter Holmes indicated the inquiry “could take months,” potentially stretching well into 2026.
On the court, 2023 first-round pick Kobe Brown said he is comfortable with a limited role on a roster loaded with veterans. “If the team’s winning, I’m winning,” Brown told the Orange County Register. “I just do my job.”
Warriors
ESPN analyst Kevin Pelton projected Golden State to finish with 56 victories, the NBA’s second-best total. Fellow ESPN writer Zach Kram highlighted veteran balance, Al Horford’s fit, and fewer roster concerns than other Western Conference contenders as reasons the Warriors might outperform expectations.
Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler will miss Tuesday’s preseason matchup against Portland because of a sprained ankle, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater. The injury is not viewed as serious, and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said he anticipates Butler returning for Friday’s preseason finale versus the Clippers.
Trail Blazers
A lawsuit that threatened to delay the Portland Trail Blazers’ sale has been withdrawn, clearing the final obstacle for billionaire Tom Dundon’s ownership group, The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov reported. RAJ Sports, operated by the Bhatal family, dropped its case against the Cherng family—owners of Panda Express and minority investors in Dundon’s bid—after an out-of-court settlement.
“We are pleased to have reached a resolution out of court which we believe recognizes our position while also preserving the future of basketball in Portland,” RAJ said in a statement released through The Rose Garden Report. With the dispute settled, the WNBA’s Portland Fire are expected to debut at Moda Center next spring alongside the NBA club.
Source: Hoops Wire
