In the latest episode of his investigative podcast Pablo Torre Finds Out, journalist Pablo Torre dropped a provocative observation that’s reigniting scrutiny around Kawhi Leonard’s 2019 free agency decision, and the mysterious $48 million side deal that followed.
Torre, known for his sharp analysis and deep dives into sports controversies, laid out a compelling numerical coincidence.
“Let me just do some basic math here,” he said. “The Raptors during 2019 free agency… they can offer a max of $190 million over five years. The Clippers and the Lakers could only offer $141 million. Do you know what $190 minus $141 is? $49. The deal is 48. It’s 48. Is that a coincidence to you?”
The Raptors could pay Kawhi $190 million. The Clippers and Lakers could offer $141 million.
Was his $48 million no-show deal a coincidence? pic.twitter.com/4OKSoAvobb
— Pablo Torre Finds Out (@pablofindsout) October 14, 2025
The “deal” Torre refers to is the now-infamous $48 million endorsement agreement between Leonard and Aspiration, a green banking company that was also a sponsor of the Clippers. The timing and structure of the deal, signed shortly after Leonard chose the Clippers over the Raptors, have raised questions about whether it was used to offset the financial gap between Toronto’s max offer and Los Angeles’s limited cap space.
Torre’s math suggests the $48 million figure may not be arbitrary. Instead, it could represent a calculated attempt to bridge the $49 million difference between the Raptors’ and Clippers’ offers, potentially circumventing the NBA’s salary cap rules. The league is currently investigating the arrangement, including whether Clippers owner Steve Ballmer’s investment in Aspiration played a role in facilitating the deal.
While no formal accusations have been made, Torre’s framing adds fuel to a growing fire. His podcast has become a central source of reporting on the case, and his latest episode, featuring former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, further explores the implications of off-the-books compensation in the NBA.
