The NBA’s ongoing investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer centers on whether Kawhi Leonard had what some have called a “no-show” endorsement deal with former team sponsor Aspiration.
That contract reportedly paid Leonard $48 million, yet league investigators have found no evidence of promotional work tied to the deal.
Former Aspiration CEO Andrei Cherny released a statement rejecting the idea that Kawhi had a free pass.
“The endorsement contract listed things he had to do,” Cherny said, via NBC Sports. “There was never a discussion of the NBA salary cap during discussions of the contract.”
With the many “hot takes” in the past 10 days about the Clippers/Kawhi Leonard, it’s been surprising (though maybe it shouldn’t be) that until now no reporter has bothered to reach out to me for the facts about that contract. This is what I told the NY Times/Athletic today: pic.twitter.com/VuhlM02fCQ
— Andrei Cherny (@AndreiCherny) September 12, 2025
Cherny also defended a widely debated section of Leonard’s contract known as the “beliefs clause.”
“[That clause] — that he couldn’t be forced to do anything he didn’t believe in — is standard in celebrity contracts and does not apply to things like talking to the camera or posting on social media,” Cherny explained.
The contract reportedly required Leonard to complete one eight-hour “day of work,” post five times on social media, and make additional appearances throughout the year. What remains unclear is whether Leonard ever fulfilled those obligations.
Ballmer and the Clippers have denied any involvement, with the billionaire owner stating he was “duped” by Aspiration and its founder.
Ballmer personally invested $50 million into the company in 2021, months before Leonard signed his endorsement agreement.
As Aspiration collapsed financially, additional investments from Ballmer and minority owner Dennis Wong coincided with delayed endorsement payments to Leonard.
READ MORE: Clippers Minority Owner Wired Money Before Kawhi Leonard Payment