NBA refutes report it lacks evidence in Kawhi Leonard probe

The NBA has rejected ESPN's claim that it lacks evidence in the investigation into allegations that the Los Angeles Clippers paid Kawhi Leonard outside the salary cap through sponsorship deals. ESPN reported on Monday that the league has not found any evidence to suggest that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funneled money to Leonard via sponsors, and that the NBA is still investigating whether the introduction of Leonard to team sponsors violated rules that prohibit salary-cap circumvention.

The investigation, which has been ongoing for 11 months, has also examined whether the Clippers had a "failure to supervise" employees. Shortly after the ESPN report was published, the NBA released a statement on social media disputing the accuracy of the report, stating that it contains "numerous and significant inaccuracies" and that the results of the investigation will be made clear once it is concluded.

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