Expensive Price Tag for Kawhi Leonard: LA Clippers may have to shell out significantly more than Leonard's value
The Los Angeles Clippers are currently under investigation by the NBA for potential salary cap circumvention, with serious implications for the franchise's future.
Last year's Finals MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, was part of the trade that sent him to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Meanwhile, six summers ago, the Clippers acquired Kawhi Leonard, with the sky seemingly the limit on what the franchise could become.
However, allegations have surfaced suggesting that team owner Steve Ballmer set up a no-show job for Leonard to pay him more than the NBA's salary cap would allow. The cash was paid through a now-bankrupt sustainability company named Aspiration. If proven, this activity could be considered highly illegal by the league.
The potential penalties for the Clippers could include fines, loss of draft picks, and the voiding of Kawhi Leonard's contract. This could potentially lead to him joining another team for the league minimum.
The Clippers traded eight first-round picks to acquire Paul George and Kawhi Leonard in 2019. However, the team's acquisition of these star players has been a major basketball disappointment. Despite the team's value increasing from $2 billion to more than $5 billion since Ballmer's purchase in 2014, the Clippers' potential loss of draft picks could take a significant toll on their future prospects.
The NBA has hired a law firm to investigate these salary-cap circumvention accusations, with Cynthia Hogan appointed as the lawyer in charge. If the investigation turns up enough evidence, the NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, could impose significant penalties on the Clippers.
This is not the first time an NBA team has faced such allegations. In 2000, the Timberwolves faced similar consequences for salary cap circumvention, losing five future first-round picks and facing a $3.5 million fine. Then-Wolves owner Glen Taylor was suspended, and then-Wolves general manager Kevin McHale was forced to take a leave of absence.
There is speculation that Kawhi Leonard could end up in a Lakers uniform if his contract with the Clippers is voided. The Kawhi era could end up costing the Clippers well into the future, potentially taking a longer time to recover than they ever anticipated.
As the investigation continues, the Clippers will be hoping to clear their name and move forward, but the potential consequences could have long-lasting effects on the franchise.
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