NBA's Pre-Approval of Clippers-Aspiration Deal Undermines Illegal Benefits Claims in Kawhi Leonard Lawsuit

A significant development has emerged regarding the Los Angeles Clippers' controversial 2019 free agency pursuit of Kawhi Leonard, potentially unraveling a key component of an ongoing lawsuit. It has been revealed that the NBA thoroughly vetted and approved the Clippers' Aspiration sponsorship deal months before Leonard officially inked his contract with the team.

This revelation directly addresses a central allegation in a lawsuit filed by Johnny Wilkes, an associate of Leonard's uncle, Dennis Robertson.

Wilkes's suit claims the Clippers offered illegal benefits to Leonard as an inducement to secure his commitment, specifically citing the Aspiration deal, which reportedly involved a $2.5 million payment directed to Robertson through the company, as one of these illicit incentives.

However, league sources have confirmed that the NBA's rigorous legal and business affairs departments conducted a meticulous review of the Aspiration partnership, granting their approval in April 2019.

This timeline is critical: Leonard’s highly anticipated signing with the Clippers didn't occur until July 2019, placing the league’s official vetting a full three months prior to his decision. This pre-approval strongly suggests that the Aspiration arrangement was a legitimate business agreement, properly scrutinized and cleared by the league, rather than a hidden financial enticement designed to sway Leonard's free agency choice.

The NBA had previously launched its own comprehensive investigation into the allegations put forth by Wilkes.

This internal probe, conducted with due diligence, ultimately concluded without finding any evidence of wrongdoing on the part of the Clippers organization or its owner, Steve Ballmer. The league's internal findings explicitly stated there was "no evidence of an illegal benefit" provided by the team.

Dennis Robertson himself, during sworn testimony, acknowledged that he actively sought various benefits for his nephew, Kawhi Leonard, during the intense 2019 free agency period.

However, reports indicate that these requests were consistently declined, not only by the Clippers but also by other teams vying for Leonard's services.

The NBA's proactive vetting and subsequent approval of the Aspiration deal significantly undermines the core claim made by Johnny Wilkes regarding this specific payment.

This crucial detail weakens a foundational aspect of his lawsuit against the Los Angeles Clippers, reinforcing the league's previous findings of no illicit activity and painting a clearer picture of the legitimate business dealings involved in the team's operations.