BOSTON, MA - MARCH 8: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 8, 2025 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of a handful of teams trying to convince LeBron James to sign with them in free agency via voice note messages that may or may not actually get to LeBron himself. As of now, they appear to be the favorites to secure his services. That noise is only going to grow louder as Bill Simmons outright said LeBron returning to the Cavs was “done.”
Simmons mentioned on the most recent episode of the Bill Simmons Podcast that the Golden State Warriors were just used as leverage. This led him to say that LeBron is going back to Cleveland, and that the “Cleveland thing is done.”
“And now it’s pretty clear they (Golden State) were being used as leverage as LeBron goes back to Cleveland… the Cleveland thing is done,” – Bill Simmons on LeBron’s free agency sweepstakes 👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/Z9OBX8ADUB
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How much you want to read into this is entirely up to you.
Simmons says this in a somewhat flipant way, an hour into a two-hour podcast. If he were going to break news this big, it’d make a lot more sense to lead off his show with this or put it up on the website he owns. That could easily lead you to believe this is just speculation based on all the other reporting and noise around a return to Cleveland.
On the other hand, Simmons is extremely plugged in. He’s been in NBA circles for decades and knows what he’s talking about. Additionally, he also has a direct connection with Rich Paul.
The Ringer — Simmons’s website — hosts Paul’s podcast Game Over. If there is someone who you’d think would be in the loop on this, it’d be Simmons.
Again, how much stock you put into this is up to you. What we can definitively say right now is that it seems like LeBron is coming back to Cleveland for a farewell tour. We’ll find out whether that materializes soon enough.
The Los Angeles Lakers have settled in for the upcoming NBA Summer League series in Las Vegas.
The Lakers have set up a new custom-designed practice court in a ballroom and were seen by reporters practicing on it Thursday, July 9.
The Lakers’ practice setup at a resort ballroom in Vegas. The team is testing out a new court design for the summer session. pic.twitter.com/DUcrjiYDZo
The Lakers had played on a custom court during the NBA Cup, but it was met with some negative feedback from players. Lakers star Luka Doncic in particular had an issue with the court, slipping on it during the team's 135-118 victory over the L.A. Clippers on Nov. 25, 2025.
"It's just slippery. It's dangerous," Doncic said. "I slipped. I slipped a lot, and you could see many players slip. And that's dangerous."
The NBA provided an alternate court for each team in the league as a promotional tool for this past season's tournament games.
The Lakers’ alternate court was not used in the 129-119 home victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Nov. 29. That court was returned to the creator for repairs.
It remains to be seen if the practice court is similar to, or an upgrade of, the one used during the NBA Cup.
BROOKLYN, NY - JULY 1: Drake Powell of the Brooklyn Nets talks to the media during the introductory press conference on July 1, 2025 at Brooklyn Nets HSS Training Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Brooklyn made history in the 2025 NBA Draft by securing five first-round picks, the most ever selected by a single team in one round. After one full season and a look at the California Classic, we asked the simple question: Who out of the “Flatbush Five” has the most to prove?
The results are in, and the responses paint a clear picture of how fans view the current trajectories of these five prospects. While Egor Dëmin has solidified himself as the undisputed star and leader of the group, expectations vary wildly for the rest of the pack. The good news? The “top” pick from this survey is only 20. Patience…
Here is the full results:
When we first asked, roughly 18 Nets fans commented their thoughts. Here’s a quick look:
The Burden of the Lottery Pick: Egor Demin
Comment: “Egor clearly has the most to prove. He was a top 8 pick. The other four were just flyers… “
Comment: “Powell showed difficulty in the Cali Summer league. Should have showed an improved play since he played last year with the regular team. He was committing TOs left and right. For me, he wasn’t ready for the summer league, not sure why? injury?”
Comment: “I guess I see a difference between ‘who has the most the prove’ and ‘who do I think unlikely to be able to prove’. Obviously Egor needs to take a major step forward to justify his draft status, but the guy who may be gone if he can’t get it together is Drake Powell. Unless he turns it around in Las Vegas, he may be playing most of the year in LI, or could be packaged in a trade.”
Still early… right?
Comment: “None of them. This is year 2 for a rebuilding team. The nets can and should just work slowly developing them. You nets fans acting like if they dont start producing they should be gotten rid of…. are seriously misguided on who the nets are. They can take there time and let jordi and his crew work there magic.”
Reply:” With the number of draft picks we have in coming years, they’ll soon be under pressure to perform or to be replaced. For me Demin, Traore and Wolf have shown the most. Saraf and Powell could be replaced in future drafts if they don’t improve quickly. It’s just business.”
Thanks to everybody who voted and/or participated.
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BOSTON, MA - APRIL 12: Dalano Banton #45 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden on April 12, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Celtics have waived guard Dalano Banton, the team announced on Thursday evening.
Banton played in 6 games between the Celtics and Clippers last season, averaging 2.0 points and 1.8 assists per game. He played 36 minutes in the Celtics regular season finale and had 2 points, 7 assists, 6 turnovers while going 0/3 from the field.
Banton’s best stretch of his career came at the end of the 2023-24 season when he averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game with the Portland Trail Blazers.
This move puts the Celtics under the luxury tax and puts the Celtics at 14 players. Boston is allowed to remain at 14 players until the start of the playoffs.
Boston signed Banton to a 10-day contract in February and signed him on the 2nd to last day of the regular season to fill the roster to 15 players.
The Celtics exercised Banton’s team option on June 29th.
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 1: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of a basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on April 1, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Raptors fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
This week’s question shines a spotlight on former Raptor legend DeMar DeRozan. The 36-year-old is nearing the end of his career, and as polarizing as he may be to many Raptors fans, there’s a case to be made that he’s one of the best available options left in free agency.
Last season, DeRozan averaged 18.4 points (lowest-mark since 2012-13), 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steal while shooting 49.7 per cent from the field and 32.0 per cent from three. While DeRozan doesn’t fit the defensive identity that carried the Raptors against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs, the veteran would immediately one of the best scorers on the roster.
Cast your vote, tell us in the comments, and we’ll be back soon with more Reacts.
Mar 15, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Meleek Thomas (1) celebrates after the men's SEC Conference Tournament Championship against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers tip off Summer League action in Las Vegas on Friday evening. They’ll take on the Indiana Pacers in the first of five guaranteed games.
Summer League debuts are always interesting. It’s the first official look at professional basketball for newly drafted players, but it’s also pretty far removed from the NBA game.
The level of competition can be hit-and-miss from a talent and continuity perspective. Everyone is hoping to show that they belong in the league, but many are more realistically trying to prove that they can be helpful to another professional team — whether that’s a different NBA team, a G League team, or an overseas team.
This all creates a unique and interesting environment — and one that isn’t exactly the best for forming too strong opinions. However, that probably won’t stop any of us from doing so anyways.
This will be our first chance to see newly drafted guard Meleek Thomas wear the wine and gold.
Thomas played more off-ball in college, but the Cavs believe he has some capabilities on ball as well. Koby Altman mentioned in his post-draft media availability that we’re going to see Thomas play the point in Summer League. We’ll see how he looks in that role.
The other Cavalier to keep an eye on is Nae’Qwan Tomlin.
Tomlin is the lone player on the summer roster with legitimate NBA experience. He showed that he could be helpful with his rebounding, cutting, and overall energy in 64 appearances last season. The three-ball is what held him back.
Last season, Tomlin went just 23.5% from three and connected on just 24% of his corner triples (0th percentile). That is a problem considering how the Cavs want to use him.
Tomlin can be so dynamic crashing from the corner. That, however, is neutralized if teams dare him to take that shot. One of the top priorities this offseason will be improving that shot. We’ll see if he’s more confident taking and making those looks in Summer League.
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 25: Morez Johnson Jr. #14 of the Dallas Mavericks poses for a portrait on June 25, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Summer League Dallas Mavericks kick off their time in Las Vegas by playing the Golden State Warriors. It’s the game before the “big” game (Washington Wizards vs Utah Jazz), but still features quite a cast of players from June’s NBA Draft. The game’s selling point to casual fans is the Michigan match up between number nine overall pick Morez Johnson Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg, who as selected eleventh. All four Dallas Mavericks draft picks from June should suit up Thursday evening. The game will be on ESPN Here’s the main things you need to know:
WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors
WHAT: NBA Summer League, Game 1 for Dallas
WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
WHEN: 6:00 pm CST
HOW: ESPN
Since no one’s played yet for the Mavericks, there aren’t any injyuries to report heading into the game. The Warriors did play in the California Classic, but as of this writing, there aren’t any injuries to be aware of.
Since I won’t admit to being hyperaware of any of the Dallas picks prior to June, the main draw of Johnson vs Lendeborg is a good place to start with this one. The former Michigan frontcourt teammates should spend at least some time guarding one another and I’m pretty excited to see if Johnson can stymie Yaxel’s mature offensive game. Past that, I’m curious to see how Sergio De Larrea looks against NBA-adjacent size and speed. Though the selection of Tobi Lawal didn’t enthuse me, I hope his athleticism translates at this level. I hope Vsevolod Ishchenko gets playing time, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t make an appearance. John Poulakidas and Ryan Nembhard should look good in this environment, but you never know how things will pan out with different teammates.
One note: don’t get overly worried about how anyone shoots at Summer League. Part of my early Jalen Brunson disdain was watching him miss everything literally (he shot 23% from the field).
Since announcing that he will be participating in this year’s Home Run Derby during the All-Star break, Ben Rice has been on a power surge for the Yankees.
After hitting a home run on Tuesday, the same day of his commitment to partake in the event, Rice added two more on Thursday in the series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays to help lead a 12-4 win for New York to secure a series split.
In fact, Rice finished the four-game set against the division-rival 7-for-16 with four home runs and nine RBI. The 27-year-old is now up to 28 homers on the season, second in the AL, and already two more than he had in 138 games during his breakout campaign in 2025.
What’s incredible is the slugger is showing no signs of slowing down and spoke about his unbelievable season so far and what he’s done to compound on last year’s offensive explosion.
“Just sticking with it overall,” he said. “Like I’ve said in the past, it’s such a long year. You’re bound to go through the ups and downs. Just leaning on the guys in the clubhouse and the locker room and go out here and just have an approach, stick to it, be convicted in it and hopefully good things will happen.”
Whatever approach Rice is utilizing, it’s certainly working which has the Yankees very excited as they continue to play without Aaron Judge who is out with a fractured rib and who will get re-imaging on that rib during the All-Star break.
Speaking of the All-Star break, Rice will likely stick to that same approach during his participation in the Home Run Derby that takes place on July 13 to try and take home the hardware in his first time in the event.
One of Rice’s competitors will be Junior Caminero, who also went yard on Thursday and is right behind Rice with 27 home runs. Actually, at the time, the home run put Caminero in front of Rice, but that didn’t last long as two innings later Rice tied it before overtaking him with his second of the game.
Of the five confirmed participants this year, Rice and Caminero are the top-2 in total home runs which, as of right now, could make them two of the favorites to come out on top. In last year’s competition, Caminero was a surprise runner-up to Cal Raleigh so his experience could give him the slight edge over Rice.
Regardless, Rice seems ready to prove his numbers this season are no fluke and that the hard work he’s been putting in since his MLB debut in 2024 is paying off.
After Thursday’s game, though, all Rice was thinking about was his team and how they were able to pull out a series split while putting up 12 runs on 14 hits.
“It’s big time. It’s big for the morale heading into this last series before the break,” he said. “Just kinda getting everyone rolling again and firing on all cylinders feels good.”
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 03: Nick Kurtz #16 of the Athletics rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the bottom of the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Sutter Health Park on July 03, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Okay, so the first two games haven’t gone our way and the club is now riding a 5-game losing streak. That just means it’s time for a win to get us back in the win column and rolling again. It’s time.
The A’s will be going with an opener/bulk pitcher strategy today, giving left-handed reliever Jose Suarez the ball for the first inning. He’ll be followed by right-hander Jack Perkins. The 26-year-old has struggled mightily in his return to starting duties, posting a ghastly 8.10 ERA over his six starts. The season is quickly slipping away from the A’s so it’s getting to the point where they might as well let it ride with the young right-hander. Maybe today is the day he puts it all together and finally figures it out. We’ll see though as he’s coming off an appearance where he allowed seven runs to cross home plate. Hard to win when your starter does that. Fingers crossed switching roles can spark something.
Here’s how the A’s will line up this afternoon in Detroit for the finale:
The squad gets first baseman Nick Kurtz back after he departed the game last night. Seems he’s healthy enough to get back into the starting lineup, though he’ll handle DH duties while first base will be covered by Jonah Heim. Kurtz will bat second behind today’s third baseman and lead off man Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, and our middle infield duo will be Jacob Wilson and Alika Williams tonight, playing shortstop and second base respectively.
And while the team welcomed Tyler Soderstrom back from the IL yesterday he gets the day off this evening, making way for Zack Gelof to get the start on the grass out there in left. He’ll be flanked by Henry Bolte in center and Colby Thomas in right field.
The Tigers meanwhile will send high-priced lefty Framber Valdez to the bump for what will be his 19th start of the season. The first-year Tiger hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations that his big contract came with but he’s still been serviceable with a 4.29 ERA for the AL Central squad.
1-9 in our past 10 games. Currently holding the 3rd-worst record in the American League. A five-game losing streak, and now five games back of a playoff spot. Desperate times. Let’s go A’s!
CAMDEN, NJ - JUNE 25: Labaron Philon Jr. #00 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during the Philadelphia 76ers press conference introducing Labaron Philon Jr. on June 25, 2026 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, NJ 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s time for some basketball!
Summer League 2026 is upon us, and the Philadelphia 76ers begin their seasonal run on Thursday evening with a 5:30 p.m. ET game against the Detroit Pistons. The game will be broadcast on NBC Philadelphia Sports+ as well as Prime Video.
While far from real deal NBA basketball, this is the first opportunity Sixers fans have to see a post-college Labaron Philon Jr. at work. The No. 22 overall pick out of Alabama is the biggest name on the Sixers’ Summer League roster, with the majority of the remaining roster being G Leaguers and unsigned players.
One other name to watch, for better or worse, is going to be Johni Broome. After being selected at the top of 2025’s second round, Broome barely saw NBA action as a rookie before missing time with an injury towards the end of the season. Summer League will be one of the first indications of whether Broome might have an NBA player in him or if he simply is not cut out for the big leagues.
The Sixers’ summer squad, led by coach T.J. Dileo, take the court for the first time Thursday evening.
Game Details
When: July 9, 5:30 p.m. ET Where: Cox Pavilion, Las Vegas, NV Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia+, Prime Video Follow:@LibertyBallers
One of the biggest trades of the offseason — Kawhi Leonard headed back to Toronto — is on hold until the investigation into alleged salary cap circumvention through former Clippers team sponsor Aspiration is completed.
The Raptors explained the reasoning behind putting things on hold — any potential punishment of Leonard (a suspension, for example) would fall fully on them if the trade went through this summer. The Raptors don't want to take on that unknown risk, especially since the investigation should be ending soon (at least everyone hopes).
"Regarding our planned trade with the LA Clippers for Kawhi Leonard, the NBA league office informed us that as a result of the ongoing investigation involving the Clippers, we would assume the risk of any potential outcome of the investigation impacting Kawhi," Toronto said in a statement announcing the pause. "In light of this, we will wait until the league's investigation is complete. The Raptors remain eager to bring Kawhi back to Toronto and look forward to a swift resolution for our players, our organization, and our fans."
"For the past 10 months, our organization has fully cooperated with an NBA investigation, participating in dozens of interviews, providing tens of thousands of documents, and facilitating access to our staff. While the process has been challenging, we have remained committed to transparency.
"On June 30, we reached an agreement in principle to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. We have since been informed that the trade can only be finalized if the Raptors' ownership group assumes the risk of penalties related to Kawhi's contract that could theoretically result from the ongoing investigation.
"The investigation is ongoing, and we expect the trade to be finalized following its conclusion."
Last September, the NBA hired the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to investigate Aspiration's ties to the Clippers. This came after an investigation by Pablo Torre and the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast. The allegation is that the Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer used the now-defunct former green bank Aspiration (a Clippers sponsor) to funnel extra money to Leonard — outside of the CBA and in addition to his salary — through a no-show endorsement contract where Leonard did nothing for his money.
Ballmer and the Clippers have denied any wrongdoing from Day 1 and reiterated that in their statement.
"At the heart of this investigation are Joe Sanberg and Aspiration. We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration. Like many sophisticated investors, financial institutions, and business partners, we were victims of a fraud initiated by Sanberg, who has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison."
When the investigation into the Clippers might conclude has been a cloud hanging over the team and the league all season. At his NBA Finals press conference, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver sounded ready to have the investigation wrapped up and on his desk.
"My instruction to them is, you know, we can't be investigating forever, and at some point we have to wrap it up, but at the same time, I think the most important thing is we get it right," Silver said last month.
When that investigation ends, it will be up to Silver to decide potential punishments, although the Clippers could (and likely would) appeal any punishment to a "system arbitrator" — a person selected by the NBA and players' union — who would review the evidence and determine if Silver's punishments fit the offense. The buzz in league circles is that the investigation found enough that Silver will come down hard on Ballmer and the Clippers, but not nearly as much on Leonard. That is all just speculation at this point.
Expect the trade to go through later this summer.
That trade sends Leonard to Toronto for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks (2031 and 2033), a 2027 first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks (2030 and 2033).
It's a great trade for Leonard, who is already talking contract extension with Toronto, and it could vault the Raptors near the top of the East if Leonard stays healthy and everything comes together. For the Clippers, it's the first step in a retooling of the roster, and it's a lot of picks — ones that belong to other teams and the league can't take away in a punishment from the investigation.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 22: Brady Singer #51 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park on June 22, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Lefty Jesus Luzardo signed a massive $135 million contract extension with the Philadelphia Phillies over the winter, and promptly started the 2026 season by falling completely flat on his face. He yielded 6 ER in his first start of the year, and his first four starts of the year featured a startling line: 22.2 IP, 28 H, 21 R (20 ER), good for a terribly unsightly 7.94 ERA.
Within that, though, sat an impressive 30/5 strikeout to walk ratio, and that fueled the 2.85 FIP he recorded through those surface struggles.
I cite that as a reference point as that encompassed the bad part of his year. Four starts of 2.85 FIP ball, and regression came coming for him quickly. In the 14 games he has started since that bad luck beginning to his extension, he’s been simply brilliant. Across 80.2 IP, he’s pitched to a 2.57 ERA and 2.99 FIP, and he’s struck out 95 more batters in that time.
In other words, he looks exactly like the pitcher who warranted said extension when the Phillies front office sent the contract his way.
He’ll start against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday opposite Brady Singer, who is desperately trying to pitch his way into a contract a third as valuable as Luzardo’s when he reaches free agency this winter. Singer got off to a much more prolonged struggle to begin 2026, but to his credit he has pitched to a 3.16 ERA with a 35/14 K/BB over his last 6 starts (even if the Reds have gone just 1-5 in those games).
It’s a 7:10 PM ET start time for this series finale. Turn on, tune in, drop out.
Toronto Raptors’ Kawhi Leonard celebrates after the buzzer as the Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors 114-110 during Game 6 of basketballâs NBA Finals, Thursday, June 13, 2019, in Oakland,...
It is now tied directly to the NBA’s ongoing investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers, Steve Ballmer, Aspiration and allegations of salary-cap circumvention that have hovered over the franchise for nearly a year.
The Clippers issued a lengthy statement after Shams Charania reported that Leonard’s planned trade to the Raptors has been delayed.
According to the Clippers, the deal was agreed to in principle on June 30, but cannot be finalized unless Toronto’s ownership group assumes the risk of any potential penalties connected to Leonard’s contract that could emerge from the NBA investigation.
Kawhi Leonard’s trade to Toronto is on hold as the Raptors wait for the NBA’s Clippers-Aspiration investigation to conclude. AP
At this time, Toronto is not willing to do that.
The Raptors wrote that the league office informed them that, because of the ongoing investigation involving the Clippers, they would assume the risk of any potential outcome affecting Leonard.
As a result, Toronto said it will wait until the investigation is complete before moving forward.
“The Raptors remain eager to bring Kawhi back to Toronto and look forward to a swift resolution for our players, our organization, and our fans,” the team said.
That leaves Leonard in limbo, the Clippers’ blockbuster exit plan unfinished and the Raptors’ reunion with the 2019 Finals MVP on hold.
The Clippers, meanwhile, continue to strongly deny wrongdoing.
“For the past 10 months, our organization has fully cooperated with an NBA investigation,” the team said, noting that it has participated in dozens of interviews, provided tens of thousands of documents and allowed access to staff.
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer celebrates after the Clippers defeated the Denver Nuggets Getty Images
The organization also denied the central accusation in the case.
“We did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard through Aspiration,” the Clippers said.
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At the center of the investigation is Aspiration, the now-defunct green banking company co-founded by Joe Sanberg.
Sanberg pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges tied to a scheme prosecutors said defrauded investors out of $248 million. The Clippers’ statement described Sanberg as the architect of a fraud and said Ballmer, like other investors and business partners, was one of the victims.
Joe Sanberg speaks at the press conference for first shipment of 3,000 L.A. produced face shields at LA County + USC Medical Center Getty Images for Emergency Supply Donor Group)
That has been Ballmer’s position throughout the fallout.
Ahead of Sanberg’s sentencing, Ballmer’s attorney submitted a victim impact statement saying the Clippers owner lost his entire $60 million investment in Aspiration and suffered “immeasurable” reputational harm. The letter also said the Clippers lost out on a $300 million sponsorship agreement with Aspiration, along with roughly $20 million tied to carbon offset purchases.
Ballmer’s attorney argued that Sanberg targeted Ballmer because of his interest in environmental sustainability and used the relationship to attract other investors. The letter also said Ballmer had met Sanberg only once and pushed back against a civil lawsuit that added Ballmer as a defendant, calling the allegations against him baseless.
Steve Ballmer, left, shakes hands with former NBA players Bill Russell, right, and “Downtown” Freddie Brown as Omar Lee looks on during an NCAA college basketball game AP
But the piece of the story that matters most to the NBA is Leonard’s reported $28 million endorsement agreement with Aspiration.
Players are allowed to have outside endorsement deals.
The question is whether the Clippers or Ballmer were involved in arranging a side deal that functioned as additional compensation to Leonard outside the salary cap. If the NBA determines that happened, it could classify the arrangement as cap circumvention, one of the league’s most serious violations.
Leonard has addressed the accusations publicly only once, denying wrongdoing and saying he understood the contract and services involved.
“I don’t deal with conspiracies or the click-bait analysts or journalism that’s going on,” Leonard said.
The NBA launched its investigation in September 2025 after reporting by Pablo Torre raised questions about Leonard’s Aspiration deal and whether it was connected to the Clippers’ relationship with the company.
The probe is being conducted by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, with attorney David Anders leading the review.
Kyle Lowry, right, speaks with Kawhi Leonard after a press conference in which Lowry signed a one-day contract to retire as a Toronto Raptor, in Toronto Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP
In a letter submitted before Sanberg’s sentencing, Anders said Sanberg had sat for two in-person interviews and provided documents and information relevant to the league’s investigation. Anders wrote that Sanberg’s cooperation helped investigators develop a more complete understanding of key events, while also stating that no promises were made in exchange for that cooperation.
That detail is important because it suggests the NBA investigation is not merely procedural. The league has reviewed documents, interviewed figures connected to the case and gathered information from Sanberg himself.
The potential consequences remain unclear.
The most infamous modern cap-circumvention case remains the Minnesota Timberwolves’ secret agreement with Joe Smith, which led the NBA to strip the franchise of first-round draft picks, fine the team and void Smith’s contract.
That happened more than two decades ago under David Stern, and Adam Silver’s approach may differ. Still, the precedent shows why the Raptors are hesitant to absorb any risk tied to Leonard’s contract before the investigation is complete.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Joe Smith, right, is pressured by Los Angeles Lakers forward Robert Horry AP
For the Clippers, a fine would be survivable. Losing draft picks or facing restrictions that affect roster construction would be far more damaging, especially now that they are rebuilding after an era that never reached the heights the franchise imagined.
Leonard arrived in Los Angeles in 2019 after delivering Toronto its first NBA championship. The Clippers paired him with Paul George and appeared positioned to become a Western Conference power. Instead, injuries, playoff exits and instability defined the era. Now, even Leonard’s departure cannot be completed cleanly.
Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard, center, celebrates after the Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors AP
The proposed trade would send Leonard back to Toronto, where he remains a franchise legend, while the Clippers would receive Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, multiple first-round picks, a pick swap and second-round compensation.
But for now, the trade is frozen.
The Clippers say they expect it to be finalized once the investigation concludes. The Raptors say they still want Leonard back. The NBA has not announced its findings.
That means Leonard’s Los Angeles chapter is effectively over, but not officially closed.
And until the league delivers its ruling, the Clippers, Raptors and Leonard are all stuck waiting on the same thing: the final word on the Aspiration saga.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 09: Caleb Durbin #5 of the Boston Red Sox rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago White Sox during the fourth inning at Rate Field on July 09, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Red Sox are hot. Take that statement as you will.
Boston has rolled through this coast-to-coast road trip in impressive fashion, regardless of the competition. The Red Sox have momentum entering the All-Star break, honestly as they have in recent seasons. What will the outcome be this time?
Here’s three takeaways from Thursday’s win.
CALEB DURBIN COMPARISONS ARE HILARIOUS Boston’s third baseman homered to make the difference with a two-run blast on his ninth long ball of the season.
It’s unfair to play revisionist history against Alex Bregman, but here are their numbers on the season entering play Thursday.
SANDOVAL SOLID All things considered, Sandoval looked solid in his first start since 2024.
The left-hander exited after 65 pitches in the fifth inning. He allowed just one earned run in 4 ⅓ innings with five strikeouts on the day. Sandoval got up to 96.1 MPH on his fastball on the day.
ARE YOU BUYING IN?
The Red Sox entered the day just three games out of the final wild card spot in a horrible American League. More importantly as followed in recent weeks, there are now just three teams in between Boston and the final wild card spot with the Blue Jays, the Astros and the Twins.
That was the larger issue even recently. The Red Sox haven’t had a massive deficit in terms of games back, rather they’ve faced too many teams separating them from a playoff spot.
Can Boston truly overcome and sustain the field to produce in unlikely fashion?
