The NBA’s investigation into whether the Los Angeles Clippers circumvented salary cap rules with a controversial endorsement arrangement for Kawhi Leonard has taken a new turn. A new report suggests Leonard’s camp made nearly identical requests to the Toronto Raptors during his 2019 free agency.
NBA Salary Cap Under Scrutiny
The league is probing claims that Leonard benefited from a “no-show” endorsement deal with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt former Clippers sponsor. The deal allegedly allowed Leonard to receive millions without actually performing promotional work.
Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star now reports that Leonard’s uncle and advisor, Dennis Robertson, presented similar demands to Raptors ownership in the summer of 2019 — right after Leonard led Toronto to its first NBA championship.
What Kawhi Leonard Reportedly Asked From the Raptors
According to sources, Leonard’s camp laid out requests that “lined up almost perfectly” with the alleged Clippers deal, including:
- Ownership stakes in outside companies.
- At least $10 million annually in sponsorship income.
While NBA rules allow teams to connect players with sponsors, teams cannot negotiate or guarantee outside deals. Raptors ownership recognized the potential violations immediately.
Raptors’ Response: “We Don’t Want to Do Anything”
Toronto executives reportedly offered to introduce Leonard to the city’s deep pool of corporate partners. But Robertson’s response was blunt: Leonard didn’t want to participate in ads, appearances, or events — he simply wanted the money.
As one insider explained, the Raptors quickly realized they were being asked to arrange no-show sponsorships and “no-investment investments.” Ownership rejected the proposals outright.
Why This Matters for the NBA and Clippers
The Raptors’ experience suggests the Clippers’ sponsorship controversy may not have been an isolated case, but rather part of a broader strategy from Leonard’s camp during his free agency.
If the NBA determines the Clippers violated salary cap rules, it could lead to severe penalties, including fines, loss of draft picks, or restrictions on future contracts. The case also raises critical questions about how teams and players navigate the blurred lines between legitimate sponsorships and illicit salary cap workarounds.
Bottom Line
Kawhi Leonard’s free agency was already one of the most dramatic moments in recent NBA history. Now, with both the Clippers and Raptors tied to similar demands, the league’s investigation could have wide-ranging implications for player negotiations and the future of the NBA’s salary cap system.