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NBA Investigates Ballmer, Leonard Over $28M Sponsorship Deal

8/8/2026

42 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Ballmer Under Probe

The NBA is probing owner Steve Ballmer and Kawhi Leonard over Aspiration and Daktronics sponsorships.
Pablo Torre called the $28 million Aspiration deal and Daktronics endorsement a “1,000% way to circumvent the salary cap” funneled money to Leonard.
The 2026 trade sending Leonard to Toronto is on hold pending the probe.
Adam Silver said penalties will follow the CBA.
Stephen A. Smith urged a ban on Leonard and a suspension of Ballmer.

Summary

Raptors Target Durant

The Raptors will target Kevin Durant from Houston if the Leonard deal falls through.
Toronto also considers a Kyrie Irving trade, offering RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick, Ja’Kobe Walter and picks to Dallas.
If Leonard’s contract is voided, the Raptors could sign him as a free agent next summer.
The investigation delay may raise Oklahoma City’s chance for a 2027 lottery pick via a Clippers-Thunder swap.

History

Historical Context

After the five-month 2011 NBA lockout began on July 1 and ended with a new collective bargaining agreement on Dec 8 2011, owners tightened salary-cap enforcement and set a $120.375 million cap. That framework, created with the NBA and the NBPA, now guides the league’s investigation of Steve Ballmer, Kawhi Leonard, and the $28 million Aspiration-Daktronics deal.

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Ballmer Under Probe

The NBA is probing owner Steve Ballmer and Kawhi Leonard over Aspiration and Daktronics sponsorships.
Pablo Torre called the $28 million Aspiration deal and Daktronics endorsement a “1,000% way to circumvent the salary cap” funneled money to Leonard.
The 2026 trade sending Leonard to Toronto is on hold pending the probe.
Adam Silver said penalties will follow the CBA.
Stephen A. Smith urged a ban on Leonard and a suspension of Ballmer.

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