Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is reportedly eager to part ways with star forward Kawhi Leonard as the team faces mounting legal and financial challenges.
The catalyst for this shift appears to be a series of controversies, including a $28 million no-show endorsement deal involving Leonard and the now-bankrupt company Aspiration.
Ballmer, who had previously invested $50 million in Aspiration, has denied any wrongdoing and insists that the Clippers’ arrangement with Leonard was conducted independently of the Aspiration deal.
The NBA is currently investigating the matter, with Commissioner Adam Silver emphasizing the need for hard evidence before taking disciplinary action.
A tumultuous tenure in Los Angeles
However, the situation has already strained the relationship between Ballmer and Leonard, leading to speculation that the Clippers are looking to move on from their star player.
Leonard’s time with the Clippers has been marred by injuries and controversies. After joining the team in 2019, he suffered a right ACL tear in the 2021 playoffs, causing him to miss the entire 2021-22 season.
Even after his return, setbacks followed, including a torn right meniscus in 2023 and recurring knee inflammation that cut short both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.
These injuries have led to Leonard missing nearly 290 regular-season games over eight seasons, raising questions about his long-term viability with the team.
Shai shows the Clippers what they’re missing
Meanwhile, the Clippers’ 2019 draft pick, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has flourished with the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading them to their first championship and earning a $285 million super maximum extension through 2031.
This contrast has highlighted the Clippers’ struggles and fueled speculation about the team’s future direction.
As the NBA investigation into the alleged salary cap circumvention continues, the Clippers are facing a critical juncture. The outcome of this probe could have significant implications for the team’s roster and future prospects.
For now, it seems that both Ballmer and Leonard are preparing for a parting of ways, signaling the end of an era for the Los Angeles Clippers.
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