NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Speaks on Investigation

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced on Tuesday that the league is considering revisions to its investment and endorsement rules following an investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers' handling of Kawhi Leonard's contract. The inquiry pertains to allegations of salary cap circumvention through a controversial endorsement deal.

Alleged Salary Cap Circumvention

Pablo Torre initially reported earlier this month that Kawhi Leonard had signed a no-show endorsement deal with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt company that Clippers governor Steve Ballmer was a significant investor in. This deal reportedly took place seven months after Leonard signed an extension with the Clippers in 2021.

Silver confirmed that the NBA has launched a thorough investigation into these allegations, stating, "When this concludes, we'll take a fresh look at our rules in terms of companies that players are investing in, and owners." He acknowledged that while existing rules do delineate investments based on ownership amounts, they do not impose a complete prohibition, with rising values necessitating a reevaluation.

Revision of Approval Process

In response to the situation, Silver noted the potential need for increased scrutiny in the approval process of such contracts. “I think that's a fair question, and maybe at a certain level they do,” he stated when discussing whether the league's oversight should be more rigorous in future endorsements.

Ballmer, meanwhile, expressed regret over his investment in Aspiration, claiming he had been "conned" and was unaware of the specifics surrounding Leonard's endorsement deal.

Future Changes to League Policies

Silver's commentary hints at broader changes beyond just the scrutiny of the Aspiration contract, particularly regarding the limitations on how much players and owners can invest in the same entities. He noted that complaints surrounding these rules have been common, emphasizing the need for a re-evaluation as the league continues to navigate complex investment relationships.