Austin Konenski
The NBA’s investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard is still ongoing. The Clippers allegedly attempted to circumvent the NBA salary cap by funneling money to Leonard through a now-bankrupt company called Aspiration. There hasn’t been a ruling on the scandal; however, the Clippers could lose Leonard.
Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix was joined by Rachel Nichols on Open Floor and discussed the NBA’s probe into the Clippers. While nothing has been revealed by the NBA, there is a possibility that Leonard’s contract could be voided.
“It’s relevant like [Kawhi Leonard]’s contract,” Mannix said. “If [the NBA] decides that ‘Hey, we might void Kawhi’s contract because we deem it invalid because of how it all came together.’ There’s a lot — I mean, it is as talked about a thing in the NBA as anything right now. Anything. I hear about it every single arena I go to, all the conversations I have with league and team officials, this comes up.”
It wouldn’t be first time the NBA voided a contract. In 2000, the NBA voided Joe Smith’s contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves after they circumvented the salary cap. There is precedent toward a voided contract, and the Clippers could face a similar penalty with Leonard.
Other potential penalties for Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers
There are other potential penalties on the table for Leonard and the Clippers. If the NBA finds wrongdoing with Los Angeles, the organization could be stripped of several first-round picks, fined a large amount of money, and face suspensions or worse in the basketball personnel department.
With Minnesota, the NBA stripped five first-round picks, gave the organization a $3.5 million fine, and suspended Timberwolves executives Kevin McHale and Glen Taylor. The Clippers could face a similar punishment that cripples the organization’s future.
As for Leonard, the biggest penalty would be a voided contract with the Clippers, but a suspension or fine can’t be ruled out. It all depends on what the NBA finds in its investigation. If the NBA voided the superstar’s contract, it would likely create a bidding war in free agency if his future wasn’t at risk.
It is unclear when the NBA will reveal its findings and potential punishments, but the Clippers could be on the verge of a significant moment in the team’s history. If the NBA decides to lay the hammer down, it would drastically impact Los Angeles’ future and set the organization back for a long time.
This would start with voiding Leonard’s contract, sending shockwaves through the NBA.
Read More: Rumor Opens Door to Spurs & Kawhi Leonard Reunion this Summer
