Story perspectives

NBA clears Ballmer, holds Leonard trade over salary-cap concerns

8/18/2026

Summary

Ballmer Cleared

NBA investigation found no evidence that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funneled money to Kawhi Leonard.
The league is reviewing whether the Clippers’ sponsor introductions of Leonard violated salary-cap rules.
The June 30 trade of Leonard to the Toronto Raptors is on hold pending possible sanctions.
Ballmer’s investments in Aspiration—$50 million in September 2021, $10 million on March 9 2023, and a $300 million partnership—preceded company’s 2025 bankruptcy and co-founder Joe Sanberg’s 14-year sentence for a $248 million fraud.

Summary

Raptors Assume Risk

The Toronto Raptors said they will assume any risk from the NBA investigation before finalizing the trade for Leonard.
Leonard is entering the final season of a three-year, $149.5 million contract extension with the Clippers.
He posted averages of 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 65 games last season.
Training camps open on 29 September, giving a timeline for roster decisions while the Raptors await the investigation’s conclusion.

1 of 2

Ballmer Cleared

NBA investigation found no evidence that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funneled money to Kawhi Leonard.
The league is reviewing whether the Clippers’ sponsor introductions of Leonard violated salary-cap rules.
The June 30 trade of Leonard to the Toronto Raptors is on hold pending possible sanctions.
Ballmer’s investments in Aspiration—$50 million in September 2021, $10 million on March 9 2023, and a $300 million partnership—preceded company’s 2025 bankruptcy and co-founder Joe Sanberg’s 14-year sentence for a $248 million fraud.

1 / 2