$28M Sponsor Deal? NBA Probing Clippers & Kawhi | Cap Circumvention Explained
Are the LA Clippers in trouble over how Kawhi Leonard was paid? In this breakdown, we explain the NBA’s investigation into an alleged $28M sponsor endorsement, how third-party deals can blur the line on salary-cap rules, and what penalties (including lost first-round picks) could look like if intent to circumvent the cap is proven. We cover the full timeline, why the new second-apron rules raise the stakes, the Clippers’ response, and the historic Joe Smith precedent—plus what this could mean for future superstar contracts across the league.
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What’s inside:
The reported $28M sponsor deal and why it matters
How team sponsors + player endorsements can be legal—or not
Second apron pressure and cap workarounds
Possible outcomes: fines, picks, or new rules
What to watch next as the probe unfolds
Keywords: Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers, NBA investigation, salary cap, second apron, endorsement deal, cap circumvention, draft picks, Joe Smith precedent, NBA news 2025
Hashtags: #NBA #Clippers #KawhiLeonard #NBANews #SalaryCap #SecondApron #Basketball
