The NBA is challenging assertions presented in a recent ESPN piece regarding the examination of Los Angeles Clippers proprietor Steve Ballmer. In a report released by ESPN on Monday morning, three sources claimed that the NBA had not uncovered any proof indicating that Ballmer utilized team sponsors to compensate Kawhi Leonard secretly, bypassing salary cap restrictions.
The article suggested that the NBA is instead investigating whether the team’s introduction of Leonard to sponsors breaches the league’s regulations prohibiting salary cap evasion. NBA representative Mike Bass refuted the ESPN article in a statement on Monday afternoon, labeling it as containing multiple significant inaccuracies.
Bass’s statement mentioned that the outcome of the NBA’s inquiry will be revealed upon its conclusion. A transaction between L.A. and the Toronto Raptors concerning Leonard has been postponed pending the league’s decision on potential sanctions.