Clippers Could Face Severe Consequences in Kawhi Leonard Case

Imagine for a moment that Pablo Torre’s claims regarding the Clippers are accurate, suggesting the franchise orchestrated a no-show endorsement deal with a now-defunct tree-planting firm. This potential arrangement could mean Kawhi Leonard is pocketing $7 million annually while circumventing the salary cap. Should this be validated, owner Steve Ballmer and the franchise's upper management would be in serious jeopardy.An executive from the Eastern Conference remarked, “This is a monumental issue.” A Western Conference general manager added, “This is detrimental for them—extremely problematic. The NBA will be furious about this. If proven true, the sanctions will be more severe than those faced by Minnesota with Joe Smith.”Leonard’s situation echoes the infamous case of Joe Smith, dating back over 25 years, when the Timberwolves executed a covert deal leading to severe penalties from the NBA, including forfeited draft picks and the termination of Smith’s contract.