NBA owners reportedly had strong reaction to Kawhi Leonard allegations

Apr 26, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the LA Clippers during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Clippers may already be facing trouble after allegations surfaced that they circumvented the salary cap to sign Kawhi Leonard in 2019. That trouble could get worse if the rest of the NBA’s owners get their hands on further evidence.

Multiple reports Thursday suggested that NBA owners want a serious investigation into the allegations that the Clippers used a phony endorsement deal to funnel money to Leonard without it counting against the salary cap. NBA reporter Zach Lowe said on “The Zach Lowe Podcast” that the sentiment around the league is that the NBA should “lay the hammer down” if the allegations are true. Executives also believe that the onus is now on the Clippers to counter the allegations, not on the league’s investigation to prove them.

Zach Lowe on the Kawhi report:

"Overwhelmingly the response I've gotten from all over the league is the league has to dig really deep on this, take it seriously and lay the hammer down if the punishment fits the crime" pic.twitter.com/WFMustG2tV
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) September 4, 2025

Chris Mannix of SI reported that ownership groups are having conversations about the allegations because they may have lost revenue if the claims are true. The Clippers are in the luxury tax, and by signing Leonard to less than a max deal, the franchise avoided stiffer tax penalties. That means a loss of potential revenue to the 29 other teams.

Here's a conversation ownership groups are having, I'm told: If @PabloTorre's report is accurate, how much money did that cost us? Clippers are taxpayers. In his last contract, Kawhi took less than the max. Full max, bigger penalties, bigger payouts. Nothing unites NBA owners…
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) September 4, 2025

In other words, top figures around the NBA want to see the Clippers punished very harshly if these claims turn out to be true. That would likely go beyond a fine and involved a loss of draft picks, at minimum.

The Clippers have publicly denied the allegations and accused the phony company of defrauding them. The NBA is investigating, and the story may ensnare some other teams and players as well.