NBA major investigation! Ballmer is suspected of 28 million "black gold" secret operation, and Leonard is included

The Los Angeles Clippers are facing an NBA investigation on a serious charge. According to reports, team owner Steve Ballmer is suspected of paying star Kawhi Leonard up to $28 million in "black money" through bankrupt environmental protection company Aspiration, the method is to provide him with an endorsement contract for "listed positions". After this incident was exposed, the NBA has launched an in-depth investigation.

whistleblower Pablo Torre pointed out that Ballmer first injected capital into Aspiration, and the company then paid a huge amount to Leonard but did not ask for actual work. The deal coincided with the time when Leonard signed a four-year, $176 million maximum salary contract with the Clippers in August 2021, when he was in recovery due to a cruciate ligament injury.

Although Ballmer claims to be unaware of Leonard's cooperation with Aspiration, the alleged wage cap evasion seems particularly suspicious given the Clippers' various requirements raised by Leonard's team over the years. The NBA official said that "conclusive evidence" is needed to take action, and possible penalties include depriving the Clippers of multiple first-round draft picks. The investigation is expected to last longer and may have a significant impact on the future operations of the Clippers.