2027 NBA Season

[danherbias07]

NBA News is filled with the Kawhi Leonard name, and I think this could be the biggest investigation regarding contracts/salary caps that the NBA will do.

The funny thing: It's Steve Ballmer who wants the NBA to make an investigation about it.
Is he saying he is not guilty? He might be innocent. Who knows? But he is talking.

He is saying that he just introduced Kawhi Leonard to Aspiration (partner of the Clippers) because they want to meet Kawhi. About the contract they did with Kawhi, he knows nothing about it.

[avp2306]

That's the weird part about the NBA. Some players are overpaid, and some are underpaid based on their performance and contribution to the team. Nevertheless, the NBA is a business. I think they're also looking at whether the player can draw a lot of fans/market. Cam Thomas is indeed underrated. This is a challenge to him. He's still young, and he has all the time to improve and show his real worth. If Brooklyn won't see that in the next couple of years, then I don't see him staying with that team.

I already posted this but people continue having bad takes so I’ll post it again. The Nets made him 3 offers and he took the lowest one.

2-years, $30M (team option)
1-year, $9.5M (can be traded)
1-year, $6M qualifying offer (no-trade clause)

He chose to take less money to guarantee that he wouldn’t be traded this year. Maybe he has a girlfriend in Brooklyn or something. He left 9 million this year on the table by not being willing to sign with a team option for next year. Likely because he knew he would be traded and wants to stay where he is.

I think its not about having other things that's why he want to stay on Brooklyn.

Since if it happens that he take that $30m for 2 years he won't have power to negotiate and will always follow what Brooklyn wants.

if he agree to that 1 year $9.5m he had a chance to be traded to other teams which he might don't want to play and he's career is at risk in this option.

Also if he take that $6m in 1 year no trade clause he could have total control of his career and he could possibly get more bigger contracts to other team especially if he performs well this season. Its like he bet on his self for taking that $6m. So hopefully he could perform well and would able to get what he want for next season. He's taking risky path for taking this option.

[Sanitough]

I think the purpose of a qualifying offer is to let a player get evaluated based on his performance, and from there he can aim for a maximum contract - that’s the main point IMO. For Thomas, he probably knows his own value is high because of his performance, so he’s confident the team might offer him a better deal.

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2020/11/all-star-brandon-ingram-others-receive-qualifying-offers.html

after that he received a max contract.

[batang_bitcoin]

The intention to keep Kawhi and make sure that he still be with the team, that's something the team owner needs to deal with, and his action is now being exposed, it's how the investigator comes up with their proft and evidences to settle this issue.

It's said that Ballmer is likely to pay for around $50M just for the penalty if proven guilty on this case. Well, he's paid Kawhi with that amount for the fraud that they did just for him to be retained in the Clippers. While this is unethical as per NBA's terms and agreement. This is already a case that they can't win. And if this had happened to Clippers, maybe this can also happen to other teams but they're not exposed. What do you think guys? but if there are teams that plans to do this, they won't pursue it any longer for how it's exposed already.

It's been compared to Joe Smith case before,

https://www.talkbasket.net/202301-insider-compares-kawhi-leonard-salary-cap-probe-to-joe-smith-scandal

Wolves pay a hefty fine that time and could be the case for Kawhi here. Also in the Joe Smith case, the Wolves forfeited their picks in the NBA draft. So if that happens to the Clippers, it will obviously that a serious toll on them.

That's what I've read in some threads and articles too. There will be voidance of the early drafts done by Clippers and the trades that it has made prior to this case. It's interesting how things are going to happen for this case with Steve Ballmer, Kawhi Leonard and for the entire team of the Los Angeles Clippers.

NBA News is filled with the Kawhi Leonard name, and I think this could be the biggest investigation regarding contracts/salary caps that the NBA will do.

The funny thing: It's Steve Ballmer who wants the NBA to make an investigation about it.
Is he saying he is not guilty? He might be innocent. Who knows? But he is talking.

He is saying that he just introduced Kawhi Leonard to Aspiration (partner of the Clippers) because they want to meet Kawhi. About the contract they did with Kawhi, he knows nothing about it.

Well, maybe he's applying the number #1: Never admit what you've done. 

[livingfree]

So him and Ballmer went under the table so to speak and goes on some scheme so that he can pay Kawhi more because they are over the salary cap. But as what we said, they are not yet guilty so let's see the investigation of the NBA.

I still don't understand this case. So does this means that Ballmer paid more than the cap in the NBA and did an under the table just for them to keep Kawhi on their team?

No they remain on the cap and they made that malicious endorsement deal so that they can pay and retain Kawhi on Clippers.

This is subject of their investigation and Balmer and Kawhi will be in huge trouble with this issue since its clear that they violate the rules of NBA for having this deal.

If they just do some little works to justify all of those actions they have done maybe the NBA or someone investigating their issue would gonna notice those possible illegal transaction they made. But it seems that they rush it all and spend lots of money just to get the service of Kawhi in Clippers.

Well, I now understand and it's all about making Kawhi stay for the LA Clippers with that deal.

But they have to do it through some bogus tree planting whatnot? I guess that the both will still be able to escape it, it's only about the penalties that they have to pay.

[LogitechMouse]

I thinking, what will be the consequences though if they are found guilty? Kawhi ban from playing or suspended for games? And Ballmer fined for millions? Might be peanut for him if that will be the case.

And for Kawhi, maybe a whole season might not be big for him as well even if they suspend his pay for a year. Although this shouldn't be let pass by the NBA as this could set precedence or this could be happening already and other team owners are doing under the table pays for their star player.

I watched a video on YouTube regarding this scandal, and I'll share the link here as well. LINK
Well based on that video, the worst thing that the Clippers as a whole may face is their future draft picks being void. The worst that Kawhi can face is a termination of his current contract, and the least sanction that the management can get is a fine that Ballmer can just pay immediately without any worries at all because... he's just the richest owner in sports right now.

I don't see any suspension for Kawhi for year because that's not in the CBA rules. I hope that Adam Silver though will punish those that are needed to be punished, and don't take this scandal lightly.

[TravelMug]

That's the weird part about the NBA. Some players are overpaid, and some are underpaid based on their performance and contribution to the team. Nevertheless, the NBA is a business. I think they're also looking at whether the player can draw a lot of fans/market. Cam Thomas is indeed underrated. This is a challenge to him. He's still young, and he has all the time to improve and show his real worth. If Brooklyn won't see that in the next couple of years, then I don't see him staying with that team.

I already posted this but people continue having bad takes so I’ll post it again. The Nets made him 3 offers and he took the lowest one.

2-years, $30M (team option)
1-year, $9.5M (can be traded)
1-year, $6M qualifying offer (no-trade clause)

He chose to take less money to guarantee that he wouldn’t be traded this year. Maybe he has a girlfriend in Brooklyn or something. He left 9 million this year on the table by not being willing to sign with a team option for next year. Likely because he knew he would be traded and wants to stay where he is.

I think its not about having other things that's why he want to stay on Brooklyn.

Since if it happens that he take that $30m for 2 years he won't have power to negotiate and will always follow what Brooklyn wants.

if he agree to that 1 year $9.5m he had a chance to be traded to other teams which he might don't want to play and he's career is at risk in this option.

Also if he take that $6m in 1 year no trade clause he could have total control of his career and he could possibly get more bigger contracts to other team especially if he performs well this season. Its like he bet on his self for taking that $6m. So hopefully he could perform well and would able to get what he want for next season. He's taking risky path for taking this option.

Yes, I saw this earlier is some Facebook post



I do agree, it's all about control of his career, maybe he still wants to play for the Nets and but he still wanted to test the free agency next season. So for that, a good 1 year is the best option for him right now.

Less risky and then he can play what and how he wanted. He could be their franchise player next season and then maybe next year the Nets will really find value on his and offer him a bigger contract that what is previously stated here. Win-win for him.

[dwyane36]

He is saying that he just introduced Kawhi Leonard to Aspiration (partner of the Clippers) because they want to meet Kawhi. About the contract they did with Kawhi, he knows nothing about it.

Well, it won’t be good for Leonard if Ballmer takes the position that he supposedly knows nothing.
As I suggested earlier, there’s a possibility Leonard could be made a scapegoat in this situation, and Ballmer’s comments only increase that possibility.

[TravelMug]

How about the 2025 HOF inductee:

Carmelo Anthony
Dwight Howard
Sue Bird.
Maya Moore
Sylvia Fowles. ...
2008 U.S. Men's National Team
Billy Donovan

https://www.nba.com/news/carmelo-anthony-hall-of-fame-emotion-inspiration-moment

So finally we have Carmelo and Dwight Howard being inducted to the HOF class of 2025.

I thought that Howard is a borderline case, but perhaps the NBA can't deny a prime Howard in Orlando Magic. Too bad that they fell short against Kobe during their championship run with Howard and Jameer Nelson.

For Carmelo, yeah, he is bound to be in that list.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

How about the 2025 HOF inductee:

Carmelo Anthony
Dwight Howard
Sue Bird.
Maya Moore
Sylvia Fowles. ...
2008 U.S. Men's National Team
Billy Donovan

https://www.nba.com/news/carmelo-anthony-hall-of-fame-emotion-inspiration-moment

So finally we have Carmelo and Dwight Howard being inducted to the HOF class of 2025.

I thought that Howard is a borderline case, but perhaps the NBA can't deny a prime Howard in Orlando Magic. Too bad that they fell short against Kobe during their championship run with Howard and Jameer Nelson.

For Carmelo, yeah, he is bound to be in that list.

I was actually surprised to see Dwight Howard inducted this fast, same for Carmelo. Especially Howard is strange, I always thought you have to be retired for 5 years to be eligible to be inducted. His last game was in the 21/22 season so it's definitely not 5 years. Maybe they changed the rules though.

[btc_angela]

How about the 2025 HOF inductee:

Carmelo Anthony
Dwight Howard
Sue Bird.
Maya Moore
Sylvia Fowles. ...
2008 U.S. Men's National Team
Billy Donovan

https://www.nba.com/news/carmelo-anthony-hall-of-fame-emotion-inspiration-moment

So finally we have Carmelo and Dwight Howard being inducted to the HOF class of 2025.

I thought that Howard is a borderline case, but perhaps the NBA can't deny a prime Howard in Orlando Magic. Too bad that they fell short against Kobe during their championship run with Howard and Jameer Nelson.

For Carmelo, yeah, he is bound to be in that list.

I was actually surprised to see Dwight Howard inducted this fast, same for Carmelo. Especially Howard is strange, I always thought you have to be retired for 5 years to be eligible to be inducted. His last game was in the 21/22 season so it's definitely not 5 years. Maybe they changed the rules though.

So it means that Dwight can't go play anymore in the NBA? He seems to be betting on his game that there could be teams that wanted him to make a comeback. But it seems that he is done already.

Like you I was surprised him being in the Hall of Fame very quick. And it seems that this class is one of the weakest in the last couple of years. Perhaps the NBA has run out of players to be inducted and so they don't have a choice but to put Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthony this early.

[Fredomago]

The intention to keep Kawhi and make sure that he still be with the team, that's something the team owner needs to deal with, and his action is now being exposed, it's how the investigator comes up with their proft and evidences to settle this issue.

It's said that Ballmer is likely to pay for around $50M just for the penalty if proven guilty on this case. Well, he's paid Kawhi with that amount for the fraud that they did just for him to be retained in the Clippers. While this is unethical as per NBA's terms and agreement. This is already a case that they can't win. And if this had happened to Clippers, maybe this can also happen to other teams but they're not exposed. What do you think guys? but if there are teams that plans to do this, they won't pursue it any longer for how it's exposed already.

It's been compared to Joe Smith case before,

https://www.talkbasket.net/202301-insider-compares-kawhi-leonard-salary-cap-probe-to-joe-smith-scandal

Wolves pay a hefty fine that time and could be the case for Kawhi here. Also in the Joe Smith case, the Wolves forfeited their picks in the NBA draft. So if that happens to the Clippers, it will obviously that a serious toll on them.

That's something that other team may think twice before following that same track just to keep their star player, though knowing that there are franchise owners who are willing to gamble just to keep their main star, but still that's something that will hurt the business financially and also the capabilities of your team as for now, still waiting for the findings and what might be the possible sanctions.

[Cointxz]

That's something that other team may think twice before following that same track just to keep their star player, though knowing that there are franchise owners who are willing to gamble just to keep their main star, but still that's something that will hurt the business financially and also the capabilities of your team as for now, still waiting for the findings and what might be the possible sanctions.

This is too bad for Clippers if proven guilty since they have the best chance to get better positioning to playoffs due to their current roster and with Kawhi playing more games.

Clippers owner is willing to risk it all just to push this roster in tact while they can.

Story like this should be backed by evidence before release to the public though because it can affect to the franchise during the investigation.

[arwin100]

That's something that other team may think twice before following that same track just to keep their star player, though knowing that there are franchise owners who are willing to gamble just to keep their main star, but still that's something that will hurt the business financially and also the capabilities of your team as for now, still waiting for the findings and what might be the possible sanctions.

This is too bad for Clippers if proven guilty since they have the best chance to get better positioning to playoffs due to their current roster and with Kawhi playing more games.

Clippers owner is willing to risk it all just to push this roster in tact while they can.

Story like this should be backed by evidence before release to the public though because it can affect to the franchise during the investigation.

If they found out guilty for sure that this can affect their team so bad. Knowing Leonard is their main star and their rotation would provably got affected in this situation.

Now for sure many are curious to know the latest updates of their case since if it happens that Leonard and the team owner will get penalize in this situation for sure that lots of teams would think twice for doing the same action. Also if Leonard will get suspended I think it would be so hard for Clippers to advance on Playoffs or reach more deeper position. So lets see what will happen to those parties affected then see if they will be found guilty or not.

[danherbias07]

He is saying that he just introduced Kawhi Leonard to Aspiration (partner of the Clippers) because they want to meet Kawhi. About the contract they did with Kawhi, he knows nothing about it.

Well, it won’t be good for Leonard if Ballmer takes the position that he supposedly knows nothing.
As I suggested earlier, there’s a possibility Leonard could be made a scapegoat in this situation, and Ballmer’s comments only increase that possibility.

If that is the case, then we might witness another "not" good relationship between the owner and the player. It could damage the whole franchise of the Clippers, and I think Ballmer is trying to avoid that from happening. Although I believe he chose the wrong path.

What do you guys think about this article created by this website?
 
https://lakeshowlife.com/kawhi-leonard-scandal-could-offer-lakers-unprecedented-opportunity

Kawhi Leonard scandal could offer Lakers an unprecedented opportunity
If Kawhi Leonard's contract is voided, no other destination makes for sense than the Los Angeles Lakers.

If Leonard's contract were to be voided, and the desire to continue playing in 2025-26 existed after the dust settled, this is where the Los Angeles Lakers come in. It would offer Rob Pelinka a chance at a borderline superstar for pennies on the dollar.

Too good to be true? It will cost them a lot in luxury tax if they do that. As was said in the same article, even other teams will have a hard time signing Kawhi with a contract so big that it will just damage their salary cap.

[tech30338]

He is saying that he just introduced Kawhi Leonard to Aspiration (partner of the Clippers) because they want to meet Kawhi. About the contract they did with Kawhi, he knows nothing about it.

Well, it won’t be good for Leonard if Ballmer takes the position that he supposedly knows nothing.
As I suggested earlier, there’s a possibility Leonard could be made a scapegoat in this situation, and Ballmer’s comments only increase that possibility.

If that is the case, then we might witness another "not" good relationship between the owner and the player. It could damage the whole franchise of the Clippers, and I think Ballmer is trying to avoid that from happening. Although I believe he chose the wrong path.

What do you guys think about this article created by this website?
 
https://lakeshowlife.com/kawhi-leonard-scandal-could-offer-lakers-unprecedented-opportunity

Kawhi Leonard scandal could offer Lakers an unprecedented opportunity
If Kawhi Leonard's contract is voided, no other destination makes for sense than the Los Angeles Lakers.

If Leonard's contract were to be voided, and the desire to continue playing in 2025-26 existed after the dust settled, this is where the Los Angeles Lakers come in. It would offer Rob Pelinka a chance at a borderline superstar for pennies on the dollar.

Too good to be true? It will cost them a lot in luxury tax if they do that. As was said in the same article, even other teams will have a hard time signing Kawhi with a contract so big that it will just damage their salary cap.

are they trying to oust Ballmer as the clippers owner? while the clippers are ready to assist the investigators regarding the allegation, i hope that its not about politics issue in the organization, of the clippers, if Leonard will be found guilty is he going to get banned in the NBA or there will be a suspension, hopefully not since i want to see him compete again in the playoffs.

[OgNasty]

He is saying that he just introduced Kawhi Leonard to Aspiration (partner of the Clippers) because they want to meet Kawhi. About the contract they did with Kawhi, he knows nothing about it.

Well, it won’t be good for Leonard if Ballmer takes the position that he supposedly knows nothing.
As I suggested earlier, there’s a possibility Leonard could be made a scapegoat in this situation, and Ballmer’s comments only increase that possibility.

If that is the case, then we might witness another "not" good relationship between the owner and the player. It could damage the whole franchise of the Clippers, and I think Ballmer is trying to avoid that from happening. Although I believe he chose the wrong path.

What do you guys think about this article created by this website?
 
https://lakeshowlife.com/kawhi-leonard-scandal-could-offer-lakers-unprecedented-opportunity

Kawhi Leonard scandal could offer Lakers an unprecedented opportunity
If Kawhi Leonard's contract is voided, no other destination makes for sense than the Los Angeles Lakers.

If Leonard's contract were to be voided, and the desire to continue playing in 2025-26 existed after the dust settled, this is where the Los Angeles Lakers come in. It would offer Rob Pelinka a chance at a borderline superstar for pennies on the dollar.

Too good to be true? It will cost them a lot in luxury tax if they do that. As was said in the same article, even other teams will have a hard time signing Kawhi with a contract so big that it will just damage their salary cap.

are they trying to oust Ballmer as the clippers owner? while the clippers are ready to assist the investigators regarding the allegation, i hope that its not about politics issue in the organization, of the clippers, if Leonard will be found guilty is he going to get banned in the NBA or there will be a suspension, hopefully not since i want to see him compete again in the playoffs.

I don’t think they’re trying to get rid of Ballmer. He came out as though he was a victim in this. I think Kawhi is going to end up getting fined and having his contract nulled. I’m not sure the Lakers would take a chance on him, but we’ll see. Skinny Luka has been tearing it up this summer. They may not need him.

[avp2306]

are they trying to oust Ballmer as the clippers owner? while the clippers are ready to assist the investigators regarding the allegation, i hope that its not about politics issue in the organization, of the clippers, if Leonard will be found guilty is he going to get banned in the NBA or there will be a suspension, hopefully not since i want to see him compete again in the playoffs.

I don’t think they’re trying to get rid of Ballmer. He came out as though he was a victim in this. I think Kawhi is going to end up getting fined and having his contract nulled. I’m not sure the Lakers would take a chance on him, but we’ll see. Skinny Luka has been tearing it up this summer. They may not need him.

Yeah I don't see any issue or trouble that can point out that Clippers management want to oust Ballmer on their team.

But its just happen that someone just find out about this deal due to bankruptcy situation happened Aspiration and they dig up that Leonard is involve and he have contract with no work appearance involvement that's why this situation blown up.

Now it became huge issue and became a hot topic in the scene

[Yaunfitda]

Yeah, it seems that Steve Ballmer is trying to portrait that he is the victim here:

These were guys who committed fraud. Look, they conned me. They conned me. I made an investment in these guys thinking it was on the up-and-up, and they conned me at this stage. I have no ability to predict why they might have done anything they did, let alone the specific contract with Kawhi.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46161800/clippers-ballmer-details-affiliation-aspiration-wake-kawhi-leonard-report

And Ballmer says that he hasn't spoken to Kawhi since the break out of this news. I have a feeling that they probably not going to patch up their relationship on this issues specially if Ballmer is telling the truth that he didn't know anything about it. And it's purely on Kawhi's business. He was just approach by the company and he said yes. So he is a willing participant in the beginning until this news comes out. Relationship has been damage for sure.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

^^ I don't know who to believed at this point. It's up to the NBA on what will be their final verdict as who is guilty and who is not and what will be the consequences of their action. And probably this has been going on for years too it's that this has been expose by some vlogger.

Good to see Melo in the Hall of Fame, I haven't heard the full speech though but it seems that he has his former coach and team mates on their seat and laughing and giving them props. For Dwight Howard, good for him too, when he was really in the Magic uniform, no one can stop this guy and surely he is the next Shaq during that time. But after getting injured, it's no longer the same Dwight that played outside of the Orlando Magic.