The NBA refutes assertions made in a recent ESPN report concerning its inquiry into Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. According to ESPN’s article released on Monday, the NBA, based on three sources, did not uncover any proof indicating that Ballmer used team sponsors to compensate Kawhi Leonard with the aim of evading the salary cap.
Instead, the report suggested that the NBA is examining whether the Clippers’ presentation of Leonard to team sponsors breaches the league’s regulations against circumventing the salary cap. NBA spokesperson Mike Bass countered these claims in a statement on Monday, stating that the ESPN article contains numerous inaccuracies.
Bass affirmed that the outcome of the NBA’s investigation will be disclosed upon its conclusion. The trade deal between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors concerning Leonard has been postponed pending the league’s decision on potential penalties.