"Clippers franchise is done" - NBA fans react as fresh details of Kawhi Leonard's deal reveal unpaid $20 million stocks

New details have emerged in Kawhi Leonard’s controversy with the LA Clippers. Pablo Torre reported that the Clippers paid Leonard $28 million for an endorsement deal signed with Aspiration, a tree-brokerage company with ties to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. He claimed the move was to circumvent the NBA’s salary cap rules.

On Wednesday, Boston Celtics beat writer John Karalis reported that Leonard’s deal with Aspiration was actually worth $48 million instead of the reported $28 million. The rest of the money was tied to a stock deal, but Leonard never received payment because the shares never became liquid.

The new details were shared on X by the account The Dunk Central, drawing many reactions from the fans. Some called for Leonard to be banned, while others criticized the Clippers. Some fans even suggested other NBA players might have similar deals. Here’s what else fans had to say:

Curry Flurry 😈

@babyfacedubs

@TheDunkCentral @John_Karalis Clippers franchise is done

Ben

@TheHurricaneBen

@TheDunkCentral @John_Karalis Yeah suspend that man for a year

Bit Loud

@Bit_Loud

@TheDunkCentral @John_Karalis They are in 100% damage control mode Deals like this have been happening in all major sports for years

Kurt Nimphius' Hair

@Hcp1Hcp

@TheDunkCentral @John_Karalis "Leonard never received any actual money in the $20 million stock deal" As if this makes the whole thing copacetic now.

momoneymonke

@Themonkequant

@TheDunkCentral @John_Karalis If kawhi got caught you KNOW everyone doing this lmfao

Leonard made a solid return from injury last season. He was limited to 37 appearances, but showed positive signs, averaging 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists. He was also stellar in the playoffs, recording 25.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 7 games.

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The LA Clippers and Kawhi Leonard are being investigated by the NBA

Shortly after reports of Kawhi Leonard's $28 million endorsement came out, NBA spokesman Mike Bass told ESPN that the league is opening an investigation into the Clippers and Leonard to determine the truth.

In response to the news, the Clippers also released a statement, saying that Aspiration had defrauded Steve Ballmer and other investors, calling the company's activities "blatantly fraudulent."

"The Clippers take NBA compliance extremely seriously, fully respect the league's rules, and welcome its investigation related to Aspiration. The Clippers will also continue to cooperate with law enforcement in its investigation into Aspiration's blatantly fraudulent activity," the Clippers wrote.

Although Aspiration's co-founder pleaded guilty to a $243 million fraud, this does not clear Kawhi Leonard or the Clippers. If the NBA finds any wrongdoing following its investigation, it could lead to serious repercussions for the player and the entire Clippers organization.

The investigation also comes at an inconvenient time as the Clippers prepare to kick off their preseason against the Denver Nuggets on October 12.