The NBA has refuted allegations presented in an ESPN report regarding its inquiry into Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. According to ESPN’s publication on Monday, three sources claimed that the NBA did not discover any proof indicating that Ballmer used team sponsors to compensate Kawhi Leonard, thus avoiding the salary cap limits.
The article suggested that instead of focusing on monetary transactions, the NBA is examining whether the team’s presentation of Leonard to sponsors could breach the league’s regulations against evading the salary cap. NBA spokesperson Mike Bass countered these claims on Monday afternoon, stating that the ESPN piece contains numerous inaccuracies.
Bass clarified that the NBA will disclose the findings of its investigation upon completion. The potential trade between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors, involving Leonard, is currently on hold pending the league’s decision on potential sanctions.