NBA disputes ESPN story on Clippers investigation

The NBA is challenging allegations in an ESPN report regarding its investigation into Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. According to ESPN, the league found no evidence supporting the claim that Ballmer used team sponsors to pay Kawhi Leonard to evade the salary cap. ESPN's story, published on Monday, cited three unnamed sources.

The NBA, however, vehemently disputed the claims made by ESPN, stating that the article contained "numerous and significant inaccuracies." NBA spokesperson Mike Bass emphasized that the league's investigation findings would be revealed once the process is concluded. A proposed trade between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors involving Leonard has been temporarily halted pending the outcome of the league's disciplinary actions.

This report, originally published by The Canadian Press on August 17, 2026, highlights the NBA's insistence on presenting its version of events.