The NBA is refuting allegations presented in a recent ESPN report regarding the league’s inquiry into Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. According to ESPN’s article released on Monday, three sources claimed that the NBA’s probe did not uncover any proof that Ballmer used team sponsors to funnel money for paying Kawhi Leonard, potentially circumventing the salary cap.
The report suggested that instead of focusing on monetary transactions, the NBA is examining whether the Clippers’ introduction of Leonard to sponsors breaches the league’s regulations against evading salary cap restrictions. NBA spokesperson Mike Bass dismissed the ESPN article on Monday, stating that it contains numerous inaccuracies and emphasized that the outcome of the league’s investigation will be disclosed upon completion.
Meanwhile, a trade deal between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors involving Leonard has been halted pending the league’s decision on potential penalties.
