By Frederick Okocha,Last Word On Sports
Copyright yardbarker
The NBA has stressed that the burden lies with the league to prove wrongdoing. To that end, the NBA hired Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, a powerful law firm tasked with uncovering whether the Clippers and Steve Ballmer used Aspiration to sidestep cap rules. Pablo Torre has leaked new details almost daily, fueling speculation that this probe will drag deep into the season. John Hollinger of The Athletic has already mapped out potential punishments under the collective bargaining agreement.
What The Punishments Could Look Like
Hollinger points to Article XIII of the CBA. The penalties are severe. They could include fines up to $7.5 million for the Clippers, $350,000 for Leonard, and the forfeiture of draft picks. Ballmer or other executives could face suspensions and fines. The most seismic punishment, however, involves Kawhi Leonard’s contract being voided by the league.
Voiding a contract is rare, but the rules allow it. The league could also force Leonard to return Aspiration’s money. Rival owners are expected to push hard for maximum penalties, arguing the league must make an example.
The Kawhi Contract Question
The heart of the scandal centers on the scenario where Kawhi Leonard’s contract gets voided. Leonard is due $50 million in the 2026–27 season. If the deal is canceled, it could free cap space for the Clippers. That sounds less like punishment and more like reward, considering Leonard’s lengthy injury history.
To address that, the NBA could impose a dead cap hit. It remains unclear whether that number would equal Leonard’s full salary or simply the money he received from Aspiration. Either way, the league intends to ensure the penalty stings.
Why It Happens In Spring
Timing is everything. According to Hollinger, the league will wait until season’s end to act. He explained why midseason action is impossible:
“So, can you imagine if Kawhi Leonard were suddenly an unrestricted free agent halfway through the season, one who is forbidden from re-signing with the Clippers? What if he decides he just likes being in L.A. and signs with the Lakers for the minimum? What does that do for competitive balance? For that matter, what if he signs anywhere for a meager salary — won’t that be hugely distorting to the playoff chase?”
That scenario, Hollinger notes, would shatter fairness across the league. Instead, the NBA will delay. “It’s much easier, from the league side, if it can drag the whole process out until the spring and then void the contract once the regular season has ended, setting up an orderly process for Leonard to find his next team in the summer.”
A Summer Reckoning Awaits
For now, the Clippers continue their season under a cloud. But everyone knows what hangs over them: Kawhi Leonard’s contract voided at the end of spring if they are found guilty. The league is preparing to make an example. The fallout will reshape the Clippers’ future — and redefine how far the NBA will go to protect competitive balance.
