The Los Angeles Clippers are facing a federal investigation over allegations that the franchise circumvented the NBAs salary cap to compensate star forward Kawhi Leonard. The criminal investigation is being led by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn and is reportedly in its earliest stages.The federal investigation follows a nearly yearlong NBA inquiry conducted by law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.The league found a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations by the Clippers, who had previously been punished for salary-cap circumvention.The NBA subsequently fined the franchise $30 million, removed five future first-round draft picks and suspended owner Steve Ballmer for one year.Leonard was also fined $700,000 as part of the leagues punishment.Alleged endorsement arrangements examinedThe NBA investigation found that the Clippers helped arrange off-court income opportunities for Leonard through companies doing business with the team.Among the deals examined was an endorsement agreement involving scoreboard manufacturer Daktronics, with the league alleging that money from a major scoreboard contract for Intuit Dome was redirected to Leonard.The NBA also investigated arrangements involving Aspiration Partners, Boingo Wireless and Lockton Insurance.The federal investigation would represent a second government inquiry into the financial dealings involving Leonard. Topics Los Angeles Clippers Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Kawhi Leonard reacts to NBA punishment: Lapses in judgement Ben Miller 3rd September, 2026 NBA: Curry inspires Warriors in win over Clippers as 76ers edge Magic to set up Celtics clash Mitch Fretton 16th April, 2026 Is Lamar Odom alive? How to watch Netflix documentary Untold: The Death & Life Ben Miller 1st April, 2026 Warriors vs Clippers: Kawhi Leonard backs Darius Garland for NBA All-Defensive Team Ben Miller 3rd March, 2026 Chris Paul traded to Raptors in three-team deal Nicholas McGee 4th February, 2026 James Harden dissects the trade and claims it benefits everyone him, the Clippers and the Cavaliers Jon Fisher 4th February, 2026
