The Los Angeles Clippers are in a rough spot as the NBA looks into Kawhi Leonard’s $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration. That agreement is now under fire as possible salary-cap circumvention.
If the league rules against them, the consequences could be crushing. The Clippers risk heavy fines, the loss of future draft picks, and suspensions for team executives. Worst of all, Leonard himself could be barred from the roster.
From there, the biggest question might be what happens to Leonard if the Clippers lose him. Would he be free to join any team without restriction, or would the league step in with limits? NBA analyst John Hollinger has even imagined a scenario where Leonard signs with the Lakers for the minimum, a move that could shake the entire league.
Per The Athletic:
“So, can you imagine if Kawhi Leonard were suddenly an unrestricted free agent halfway through the season, one who is forbidden from re-signing with the Clippers? What if he decides he just likes being in L.A. and signs with the Lakers for the minimum? What does that do for competitive balance? For that matter, what if he signs anywhere for a meager salary — won’t that be hugely distorting to the playoff chase?” asked Hollinger.
