Sports journalist Pablo Torre has raised concerns about the Los Angeles Clippers.
The former ESPN figure has released several podcast episodes exploring financial activities, LLCs, and testimonies that suggest Clippers owner Steve Ballmer may have used a company to bypass the salary cap through a no-show endorsement deal for Kawhi Leonard, along with various benefits for his unofficial agent, Dennis Robertson.
Ballmer and the Clippers have rejected any wrongdoing. However, NBA commissioner Adam Silver might need to take serious action against the team.
Is the NBA preparing to penalize the Los Angeles Clippers?
Sam Amick from The Athletic reported that league chatter indicates Silver stated there is no resolution yet, but tensions may rise in Inglewood.
“In the weeks leading up to Ballmer’s major event, there was a noticeable increase in speculation that the NBA might take strong action against the Clippers. This marks a change from earlier in the season when many thought the Leonard/Aspiration issue might pass without consequences,” Amick wrote.
Amick also questioned whether the Clippers extended president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank’s contract to prepare for challenges ahead. Additionally, he speculated that trading Ivica Zubac might be a strategy to gain draft picks in case the league imposes penalties.
Furthermore, Amick suggested that James Harden’s unexpected trade request could hint at potential changes, indicating he may not want to be involved in any fallout.
If found culpable, the NBA could take away several first-round draft picks from the Clippers and even nullify Leonard’s contract.