NBA Insider Reveals ‘Most Likely Outcome’ in Kawhi Leonard-Clippers Fiasco

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) comes off the court during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Intuit Dome on February 04, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

The NBA has yet to conclude its probe into allegations that the LA Clippers circumvented the salary cap by funneling off-the-books payments to Kawhi Leonard through undisclosed endorsement deals.

Recent reports suggest the NBA’s investigation could drag on well into next year—and that was before Pablo Torre dropped his latest bombshell linking Leonard to scoreboard manufacturer Daktronics.

However, SportsNet’s Michael Grange reported Friday that the NBA has unofficially finished its investigation and is nearing a resolution.

“Per league sources, there’s a belief the investigation has already moved beyond its fact-finding stage and the parties involved — specifically the Clippers and the NBPA (which is monitoring the situation to see what if any consequences befall Leonard) — are working quietly to get the entire issue resolved, something [Adam] Silver hinted at back on July 14 when he last spoke publicly on the issue,” Grange wrote.

Kawhi Leonard ‘Most Likely Outcome’ Revealed

The insider then predicted the “most likely outcome” for the Clippers and Leonard, whose trade to the Toronto Raptors remains on hold pending the investigation.

“The most likely outcome?

“A negotiated settlement where the NBA gets to enforce some version of its rules, Ballmer can save face and Leonard can play for the Raptors,” added Grange.

The report added that it remains unclear whether Pablo Torre’s recent findings linking Leonard to Daktronics have been incorporated into the NBA’s ongoing investigation.

“Whether Torre’s latest finding is new information to the NBA’s investigation or not — a report in The Athletic last month said a second no-show endorsement deal was already part of the investigation — the sense is that it won’t affect the next stage of the process, namely figuring out what the league is going to do with the information it has collected.

“An NBA spokesperson refused comment when reached by Sportsnet about the status of the investigation. A representative of the NBPA didn’t respond to a request for comment,” addd Grange.