The NBA’s investigation into Kawhi Leonard’s alleged “no-show job” with Aspiration, a now-defunct former LA Clippers sponsor, could end soon. NBA insider Tim Kawakami reported that the resulting punishment would be more “Kawhi-centric” than on the Clippers. There is a possibility that Leonard’s contract with the team could be voided.
This season, Leonard will earn $50 million before the figure increases to $50.3 million for the 2026-27 season. If the contract is invalidated, he can sign elsewhere as a free agent.
Ahn Fire Digital reported on Tuesday that Kawhi Leonard has decided on a new path if his contract with the Clippers is terminated:
“It is believed in league circles that Leonard would prefer to remain on the West Coast should his Clippers contract get voided.”
$50.3 million for a season is a staggering amount, but Leonard might still get the same figure from another interested team. The seven-time All-Star is averaging 28.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game. Leonard is hitting 49.4% of his shots, including 38.1% from deep. He remains one of the NBA’s elite two-way players.
The LA Lakers, if interested, could do him better by keeping the Los Angeles native in his hometown. To get Leonard, they will likely part ways with LeBron James, who has a $52.6 million salary this season. Many are already predicting this season to be James’ last with the franchise, making Leonard a potentially appealing replacement.
Kawhi Leonard’s contractual issues started in September 2025 following Pablo Torre’s report. The investigative journalist, via his “Pablo Torre Finds Out,” alleged that Leonard signed a “no-show job” with Aspiration. Torre claimed that the deal was a way for the LA Clippers to skirt the salary cap.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced a few days later that the league would investigate the allegations. Heading into the All-Star break, he said that he hasn’t received any recommendations yet from an independent New York law firm conducting the probe.
Silver described the investigation as “complex,” a reason why there is no deadline for a result to come in. Still, many are speculating that the decision would come after the All-Star break.
Multiple West Coast Contending Teams Could Sign Kawhi Leonard Next Season
Assuming the NBA invalidates Kawhi Leonard’s contract, he could remain on the West Coast and still contend for a championship. The LA Lakers aren’t the only team that could be interested in the do-it-all forward’s services.
The Golden State Warriors, who failed to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo before this year’s trade deadline, could turn their attention to Leonard. Kristaps Porzingis is on an expiring $30.7 million contract, giving the Dubs financial flexibility to set their sights on the two-time Defensive Player of the Year winner.
The Houston Rockets are another team that could try to land Leonard. Houston can clear cap space by trading veterans Fred VanVleet, Dorian Finney-Smith and Steven Adams. A core of Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun and Leonard could rule the NBA.
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