The NBA is challenging assertions presented in a recent ESPN report regarding the examination of Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. According to ESPN’s publication on Monday, three sources indicated that the NBA did not uncover any proof indicating that Ballmer used team sponsors to compensate Kawhi Leonard in a way that evaded the salary cap.
The report suggested that instead of focusing on monetary transactions, the NBA is investigating whether the Clippers’ promotion of Leonard to team sponsors breaches the league’s regulations against circumventing the salary cap. NBA spokesperson Mike Bass refuted the claims in the ESPN article, stating that it contains multiple inaccuracies.
Bass emphasized that the outcome of the NBA’s inquiry will be disclosed upon its conclusion. The pending trade between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors, involving Leonard, is currently on hold pending any potential disciplinary actions imposed by the league.