INGLEWOOD, CA — The L.A. Clippers continue to take a business-as-usual approach to the offseason.
Veteran Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers remain in close communication regarding the future direction of the team, including NBA draft-related topics. Regardless of what the future holds for the team, the franchise remains tied to the superstar player while an NBA investigation remains ongoing.
The league is investigating team owner Steve Ballmer, Leonard and his uncle/advisor Dennis Robertson. All three men were allegedly involved in a “no-show” agreement with a company, Aspiration, to funnel extra compensation to the player as part of a salary cap circumvention. Leonard, Ballmer and other team executives were reportedly interviewed as part of the investigation.
“I can’t comment on the specifics of the investigation, but what I can say is we did not do what we are accused of doing,” said Lawrence Frank, the Clippers' president of basketball operations. “The investigation has had no impact on how we go about our business. We just continue to go about our business as normal.”
The law firm tasked with running the investigation is expected to deliver its findings to NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who will decide on any potential discipline. Silver indicated during a press conference in early June that the investigation needs to be wrapped up and have some finality.
“The team has to understand what situation they are going to be operating under and so do the other 29 teams,” Silver said.
A few teams, including the Golden State Warriors, may be closely monitoring Leonard’s status and could be interested in trading for him.
The Warriors reportedly checked in with the Clippers about Leonard leading up to the trade deadline in February, but Ballmer did not want to move his star player, in contrast to what the team did with Ivica Zubac and James Harden.
Leonard has one more year left on his contract with the Clippers, worth $50.3 million. The star will become a free agent if he is not signed to an extension. He played in 65 games last season, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Clippers comment on Kawhi Leonard investigation
