NBA probing allegations that firm paid Kawhi Leonard $28M to evade the salary cap. Clippers strongly deny claims

"The Clippers forcefully denied allegations detailed in a podcast published on Wednesday that a discredited global tree-planting company paid Kawhi Leonard $28 million to pad the star forward's contract and skirt the NBA salary cap. Investigative journalist Pablo Torre of the Athletic said during "Pablo Finds Out" that he reviewed numerous documents and conducted interviews with former employees of Aspiration Partners, the sustainability services firm that recently declared bankruptcy."

"During Aspiration's bankruptcy proceedings, documents emerged citing KL2 Aspire as a creditor owed $7 million, one of four yearly payments of that amount agreed upon in a 2022 contract. KL2 is a limited liability company that names Leonard - whose jersey number is 2 - as its manager."

"Aspiration was partially funded by a $50-million investment from Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. It is not known whether Ballmer was aware of or played a role in facilitating the employment agreement between Aspiration and Leonard. Torre revealed during the podcast that he did not find evidence of any marketing or endorsement work done by Leonard for Aspiration. The only connection he found between the player and the company came in a 2023 tweet by the Clippers."

An allegation claims a discredited tree-planting company paid Kawhi Leonard $28 million to pad his contract and skirt the NBA salary cap. Documents and interviews with former Aspiration employees were cited, and Aspiration co-founder Joseph Sanberg agreed to plead guilty to defrauding investors and lenders of more than $248 million. Bankruptcy records listed KL2 Aspire, managed by Leonard, as owed $7 million, one of four annual $7 million payments in a 2022 contract. Aspiration received a $50 million investment from Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, whose awareness of any employment agreement is unknown. No evidence of marketing work by Leonard for Aspiration was found. The NBA has commenced an investigation and the Clippers deny any misconduct.

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