"Clippers franchise is done" - NBA fans react to fresh report of Kawhi Leonard's unpaid $20 million stock deal

Kawhi Leonard’s controversy with the LA Clippers has taken a new twist. Pablo Torre initially reported that the Clippers paid Leonard $28 million for an endorsement deal signed with Aspiration, a tree-brokerage company with ties to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. Torre claimed the move was to circumvent the NBA’s salary cap rules.

On Wednesday, Boston Celtics beat writer John Karalis reported that Leonard’s deal with Aspiration was actually worth $48 million and that the remaining money was tied to a stock deal. However, Leonard reportedly never received payment because the shares were never liquidated.

The report was shared by Dunk Central on X and drew reactions from fans. Some called for Leonard to be banned, while others criticized the Clippers. Some even suggested other NBA players might have similar deals.

"Clippers franchise is done," one fan wrote.

Curry Flurry 😈

@babyfacedubs

@TheDunkCentral @John_Karalis Clippers franchise is done

Ben

@TheHurricaneBen

@TheDunkCentral @John_Karalis Yeah suspend that man for a year

Bit Loud

@Bit_Loud

@TheDunkCentral @John_Karalis They are in 100% damage control mode Deals like this have been happening in all major sports for years

Kurt Nimphius' Hair

@Hcp1Hcp

@TheDunkCentral @John_Karalis "Leonard never received any actual money in the $20 million stock deal" As if this makes the whole thing copacetic now.

momoneymonke

@Themonkequant

@TheDunkCentral @John_Karalis If kawhi got caught you KNOW everyone doing this lmfao

Leonard made a solid return from injury last season. He was limited to 37 appearances, but showed positive signs, averaging 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists. He was also stellar in the playoffs, averaging 25.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists in seven games.

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The LA Clippers and Kawhi Leonard are being investigated by the NBA

Shortly after reports of Kawhi Leonard's $28 million endorsement deal surfaced, NBA spokesman Mike Bass told ESPN that the league is launching an investigation to determine the facts.

The Clippers also released a statement, saying Aspiration had defrauded Steve Ballmer and other investors.

"The Clippers take NBA compliance extremely seriously, fully respect the league's rules, and welcome its investigation related to Aspiration. The Clippers will also continue to cooperate with law enforcement in its investigation into Aspiration's blatantly fraudulent activity," the Clippers wrote.

Although Aspiration's co-founder pleaded guilty to a $243 million fraud, this does not clear Kawhi Leonard or the Clippers.

The investigation comes as the Clippers prepare to kick off their preseason against the Denver Nuggets on Oct. 12.