2025 NBA Season

[ultrloa]

It's worth noting that the NBA has already announced that it will open an investigation. By the way, the Clippers are already hastily denying that they have broken any cap rules. So, let's hope that Leonard doesn't end up being made the scapegoat in this situation, which could potentially ruin his NBA career.

Hoping it will turn out positive for both of them because it will really make a huge mark especially for Kawhi who we've known that doesn't talk much or just having positive vibes all the time. Clips may keep on denying it but let's see what the investigation may lead to this. Yeah hoping Kawhi or his management would have a take on this. Kawhi may probably leave Clippers because of this.

Oh well, everyone has a skeleton in the closet. We also know that Kahwi has a attitude as well and not the image that we thought of him. Remember he just sit down and doesn't want to play with the Spurs then and was traded to the Raptors?

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.

Yeah I guess people should wait for the final result of the investigation.

Since if it happens that Kawhi will find guilty on those mistake they have made then provably that he would face a heavy penalties from NBA.

But there's good chance that they will get compromised on this deal since it seems that they have basis that those under the table deal is true. To bad for Kawhi if he's career will fell short because of this controversy.

[Yaunfitda]

It's worth noting that the NBA has already announced that it will open an investigation. By the way, the Clippers are already hastily denying that they have broken any cap rules. So, let's hope that Leonard doesn't end up being made the scapegoat in this situation, which could potentially ruin his NBA career.

Hoping it will turn out positive for both of them because it will really make a huge mark especially for Kawhi who we've known that doesn't talk much or just having positive vibes all the time. Clips may keep on denying it but let's see what the investigation may lead to this. Yeah hoping Kawhi or his management would have a take on this. Kawhi may probably leave Clippers because of this.

Oh well, everyone has a skeleton in the closet. We also know that Kahwi has a attitude as well and not the image that we thought of him. Remember he just sit down and doesn't want to play with the Spurs then and was traded to the Raptors?

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.

Yeah I guess people should wait for the final result of the investigation.

Since if it happens that Kawhi will find guilty on those mistake they have made then provably that he would face a heavy penalties from NBA.

But there's good chance that they will get compromised on this deal since it seems that they have basis that those under the table deal is true. To bad for Kawhi if he's career will fell short because of this controversy.

Right, but from what has been shared in social media, it seems that he is really guilty and Ballmer as well. And this could be one of the biggest scandal in the NBA in recent years. Specially involving a quite player in Kahwi. But if you look at it in the surface, it's just weird that Kahwi is still a Clipper and Ballmer wanted him to remain a Clipper despite not able to play most of the seasons for them because of injuries. However, the last scandal that happen is about a player that could have been involved himself in game fixing but the NBA didn't found him guilty so Kahwi and the Clippers have chance to be not found guilty as well and it's just the media that try to spin it.

[LogitechMouse]

PJ Washington got a bag to stay with the Dallas Mavericks. He got himself a 4-year $90 million deal. Good for him. I guess as far as contracts go these days this one isn’t too bad, but we won’t be seeing him make any all star teams anytime soon. Crazy that he can get $22M and Westbrook can’t get $3M.

They need their roster to stay intact if they want to compete in a star-loaded Western Conference.

I mean their current roster is stacked from their starters, to their role players. Also they got Cooper Flagg as well as their future star (maybe), so letting these key players like Washington stay will help the Mavericks big time. He deserves this kind of contract I guess after his contributions with the team for the last 2 seasons. Now as for Westbrook, I hope that he will realize at some point that he isn't worth what he thinks of himself anymore. For me, he's only worth less than $10M already despite that great performance back when he's in Denver.

Speaking of value, I just saw a few hours ago that Cam Thomas, a player who's averaging 24 PPG in Brooklyn signed a 1-year deal worth $6M to stay. I mean a player that offensive only got that amount. I wonder why though. 

[OgNasty]

It's worth noting that the NBA has already announced that it will open an investigation. By the way, the Clippers are already hastily denying that they have broken any cap rules. So, let's hope that Leonard doesn't end up being made the scapegoat in this situation, which could potentially ruin his NBA career.

Hoping it will turn out positive for both of them because it will really make a huge mark especially for Kawhi who we've known that doesn't talk much or just having positive vibes all the time. Clips may keep on denying it but let's see what the investigation may lead to this. Yeah hoping Kawhi or his management would have a take on this. Kawhi may probably leave Clippers because of this.

Oh well, everyone has a skeleton in the closet. We also know that Kahwi has a attitude as well and not the image that we thought of him. Remember he just sit down and doesn't want to play with the Spurs then and was traded to the Raptors?

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.

Yeah I guess people should wait for the final result of the investigation.

Since if it happens that Kawhi will find guilty on those mistake they have made then provably that he would face a heavy penalties from NBA.

But there's good chance that they will get compromised on this deal since it seems that they have basis that those under the table deal is true. To bad for Kawhi if he's career will fell short because of this controversy.

Mark Cuban has come out in defense of Steve Ballmer in this scenario and I have to wonder if there isn't a reason.  Maybe old Mark has been doing this to keep his guys for a while now.  I actually don't see a huge problem with it.  If guys can get endorsement deals outside their NBA contracts, who cares who the person is paying them?  Does it really matter?  Do owners need to start making back alley deals with Nike to make sure their guys get paid by a 3rd party?  While I don't like the behavior, it seems perfectly legal.  I'm curious how this one will end up.

Speaking of value, I just saw a few hours ago that Cam Thomas, a player who's averaging 24 PPG in Brooklyn signed a 1-year deal worth $6M to stay. I mean a player that offensive only got that amount. I wonder why though. 

He actually made that choice. They gave him 3 offers.

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

[Webetcoins]

I guess people should wait for the final result of the investigation.

Since if it happens that Kawhi will find guilty on those mistake they have made then provably that he would face a heavy penalties from NBA.

But there's good chance that they will get compromised on this deal since it seems that they have basis that those under the table deal is true. To bad for Kawhi if he's career will fell short because of this controversy.

I am not sure if this is true or not, I am not the investigator, and I can't really make a judgement out of the case. However, it feels like the most common way of paying someone under the table, like the first thing that would come to mind, and I sure do hope that they are not both that stupid to do something like this.

Steve Ballmer is a rich dude, he didn't became rich by being a stupid idiot, and this would be such a simple way of getting caught. I am not saying they didn't do it by the way, maybe they did, I wouldn't know. I am just saying if they did, then that is the most stupidest rule breaking I have ever heard, I mean illegally carrying millions in duffel bags filled with cash to his doorstep would have made more sense than this lol.

[Shinpako09]

Speaking of value, I just saw a few hours ago that Cam Thomas, a player who's averaging 24 PPG in Brooklyn signed a 1-year deal worth $6M to stay. I mean a player that offensive only got that amount. I wonder why though. 

Yeah, for real, that’s way too low for a player averaging 24 PPG. Meanwhile, Pat Connaughton is making $9.4M while only averaging 5.3 PPG. Lol. Even if people say he’s putting up numbers because of the team he’s on and wouldn’t score like that on a top team, it’s still too low, and he’s still young, just 23. Other players with lower averages are getting paid more. Honestly, that feels unfair. His agent doesn’t seem great at negotiations. Cooper Flagg is even making more in his first season.

[Cointxz]

Speaking of value, I just saw a few hours ago that Cam Thomas, a player who's averaging 24 PPG in Brooklyn signed a 1-year deal worth $6M to stay. I mean a player that offensive only got that amount. I wonder why though. 

Yeah, for real, that’s way too low for a player averaging 24 PPG. Meanwhile, Pat Connaughton is making $9.4M while only averaging 5.3 PPG. Lol. Even if people say he’s putting up numbers because of the team he’s on and wouldn’t score like that on a top team, it’s still too low, and he’s still young, just 23. Other players with lower averages are getting paid more. Honestly, that feels unfair. His agent doesn’t seem great at negotiations. Cooper Flagg is even making more in his first season.

That’s how NBA works. They gave value to the players that has more popularity rather than the actual contribution in the game.

Take example Paul George, He is not that productive anymore and he is just getting that numbers because he gets a lot of ball possession yet he earns huge salary despite being injured most of the time.

Team is choosing based on the player popularity.

[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?

Speaking of value, I just saw a few hours ago that Cam Thomas, a player who's averaging 24 PPG in Brooklyn signed a 1-year deal worth $6M to stay. I mean a player that offensive only got that amount. I wonder why though. 

Probably there is no better offer than that.

If he won't take that, no offer would likely come to him anymore or if there is, he might get a lower one.

[arwin100]

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.
 

[dwyane36]

That’s how NBA works. They gave value to the players that has more popularity rather than the actual contribution in the game.

Take example Paul George, He is not that productive anymore and he is just getting that numbers because he gets a lot of ball possession yet he earns huge salary despite being injured most of the time.

Team is choosing based on the player popularity.

Well, last year Paul only played half of the regular season games, and his stats dropped significantly, although it is worth noting that in the 23-24 season, he played almost the entire regular season and averaged 22 points per game. As for the player's popularity, I think it’s good for any team’s management to have such players, since tickets to their games get more expensive.

[TravelMug]

Speaking of value, I just saw a few hours ago that Cam Thomas, a player who's averaging 24 PPG in Brooklyn signed a 1-year deal worth $6M to stay. I mean a player that offensive only got that amount. I wonder why though. 

Yeah, for real, that’s way too low for a player averaging 24 PPG. Meanwhile, Pat Connaughton is making $9.4M while only averaging 5.3 PPG. Lol. Even if people say he’s putting up numbers because of the team he’s on and wouldn’t score like that on a top team, it’s still too low, and he’s still young, just 23. Other players with lower averages are getting paid more. Honestly, that feels unfair. His agent doesn’t seem great at negotiations. Cooper Flagg is even making more in his first season.

I'm not sure, but yes, when I say him played for the first time, I say that definitely he has the talent. But it could be just bad marketing on his part. Sometimes you really have to be just good guy role or you have that personality. Maybe that's what lacking in him, he is very a quite person, maybe he really needs to be that trash talking just saying, so that he will get all the attention.

But he is still very young, maybe after a good year, he could get he really deserves to be paid. Just work very hard, show us that bad side and maybe, just maybe teams are going to recognized this kid.

[Fredomago]

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.
 

I agree, that kind of action needs some underground negotiations and not just a rushly actions that noticeable, now, they are in trouble as if NBA investigator managed to prove this deal both Balmer and Kawhi will suffer the consequences of their actions, we are now in the era where evidences will find the investigators as the help from online access may bring them enlightenment to clear this issue and provide quickly recommendations.

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.

[avp2306]

Speaking of value, I just saw a few hours ago that Cam Thomas, a player who's averaging 24 PPG in Brooklyn signed a 1-year deal worth $6M to stay. I mean a player that offensive only got that amount. I wonder why though. 

Yeah, for real, that’s way too low for a player averaging 24 PPG. Meanwhile, Pat Connaughton is making $9.4M while only averaging 5.3 PPG. Lol. Even if people say he’s putting up numbers because of the team he’s on and wouldn’t score like that on a top team, it’s still too low, and he’s still young, just 23. Other players with lower averages are getting paid more. Honestly, that feels unfair. His agent doesn’t seem great at negotiations. Cooper Flagg is even making more in his first season.

I'm not sure, but yes, when I say him played for the first time, I say that definitely he has the talent. But it could be just bad marketing on his part. Sometimes you really have to be just good guy role or you have that personality. Maybe that's what lacking in him, he is very a quite person, maybe he really needs to be that trash talking just saying, so that he will get all the attention.

But he is still very young, maybe after a good year, he could get he really deserves to be paid. Just work very hard, show us that bad side and maybe, just maybe teams are going to recognized this kid.

If it happens that he play long games last season maybe he will get more bigger or what he wants. But since he only play if I'm not wrong 25 games due to hamstring injury maybe he decide what's best for his career.

Since by accepting that $6m he have full control of his career next year. What he need is to show consistency or efficiency since there's good chance that he could able to get more big contract on next year.

What he do is huge gamble in his career so let see if he can able to make a good run this season since if it happens he's performance decline he  might struggle to get those contract he target to get.

[btc_angela]

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.
 

I agree, that kind of action needs some underground negotiations and not just a rushly actions that noticeable, now, they are in trouble as if NBA investigator managed to prove this deal both Balmer and Kawhi will suffer the consequences of their actions, we are now in the era where evidences will find the investigators as the help from online access may bring them enlightenment to clear this issue and provide quickly recommendations.

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.

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.

[ultrloa]

I agree, that kind of action needs some underground negotiations and not just a rushly actions that noticeable, now, they are in trouble as if NBA investigator managed to prove this deal both Balmer and Kawhi will suffer the consequences of their actions, we are now in the era where evidences will find the investigators as the help from online access may bring them enlightenment to clear this issue and provide quickly recommendations.

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.

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.

This is what possibly might gonna happen for Balmer or Clippers if they found guilty on those controversy they are facing.

They could pay massive fines.
Might also lose a draft picks.
Suspension.
Criminal investigation.

Effect for Kawhi.

He's contract might get void in Clippers.
Fines also suspension.
Damage to his reputation.
Then also might lose some endorsement deals.

This is awful situation for both of them and lets find out what will be the result of the investigation done by NBA. This is also explains well the situation of Kawhi https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/clippers/2025/09/04/kawhi-leonard-la-clippers-contract-situation-explained/85977096007/

[Cointxz]

That’s how NBA works. They gave value to the players that has more popularity rather than the actual contribution in the game.

Take example Paul George, He is not that productive anymore and he is just getting that numbers because he gets a lot of ball possession yet he earns huge salary despite being injured most of the time.

Team is choosing based on the player popularity.

Well, last year Paul only played half of the regular season games, and his stats dropped significantly, although it is worth noting that in the 23-24 season, he played almost the entire regular season and averaged 22 points per game. As for the player's popularity, I think it’s good for any team’s management to have such players, since tickets to their games get more expensive.

This is true, team profit through tickets and sponsorship are the top priority next to championship.

This is why some team is willing to risk a lot of salary cap to players that has a lot of popularity despite being overrated when it comes to the stats.

Those old era star player is still being value good until now.

[sana54210]

By the way, there is a reason why players often "prefer" to go to teams like Lakers, or Boston, or even New York when they are bad. These places are places you can get the most endorsements and the most money. I understand that some teams are lower on the rankings there, like not that many would prefer to go to Minnesota for it, but if you go to Lakers for example, you are literally right in the middle of Hollywood, and right next to silicon valley too, not far away.

It means ads, as in like just "oh I got paid 10 million to do one day of work for some ads for some company" is easier there compared to some team like Denver lets say. This may not be paid under the table like Kawhi situation, but those players are getting that money thanks to being there.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

That’s how NBA works. They gave value to the players that has more popularity rather than the actual contribution in the game.

Take example Paul George, He is not that productive anymore and he is just getting that numbers because he gets a lot of ball possession yet he earns huge salary despite being injured most of the time.

Team is choosing based on the player popularity.

Well, last year Paul only played half of the regular season games, and his stats dropped significantly, although it is worth noting that in the 23-24 season, he played almost the entire regular season and averaged 22 points per game. As for the player's popularity, I think it’s good for any team’s management to have such players, since tickets to their games get more expensive.

This is true, team profit through tickets and sponsorship are the top priority next to championship.

This is why some team is willing to risk a lot of salary cap to players that has a lot of popularity despite being overrated when it comes to the stats.

Those old era star player is still being value good until now.

Yeah, they wanted players to have a name in their team so called they can sell tickets, merchandise and anything relating to that well known player. But not just well-known but at least a good player like in the case of Paul George even if he is not that productive.

And it just shows that NBA is a business as well just like any team sports. The owners invested billions in them, so they might as well get that value back by paying high salary player to attract fans and watch their games so their ticket sales will compensate everything the owner has shell out from his pocket.

[rbynxx]

By the way, there is a reason why players often "prefer" to go to teams like Lakers, or Boston, or even New York when they are bad. These places are places you can get the most endorsements and the most money. I understand that some teams are lower on the rankings there, like not that many would prefer to go to Minnesota for it, but if you go to Lakers for example, you are literally right in the middle of Hollywood, and right next to silicon valley too, not far away.

It means ads, as in like just "oh I got paid 10 million to do one day of work for some ads for some company" is easier there compared to some team like Denver lets say. This may not be paid under the table like Kawhi situation, but those players are getting that money thanks to being there.

Well, if you’re a legit star player, it would not be surprising at all to get those deals. But it’s not as simple as you're moving in LA, you'll get rich, that is not how it goes. It really depends on who you are, your marketability, and I think timing is important too. Just being an NBA player in LA doesn’t automatically mean the endorsement deals will roll in, the city gives you the platform, but you still need the best profile to earn those.

[OgNasty]

By the way, there is a reason why players often "prefer" to go to teams like Lakers, or Boston, or even New York when they are bad. These places are places you can get the most endorsements and the most money. I understand that some teams are lower on the rankings there, like not that many would prefer to go to Minnesota for it, but if you go to Lakers for example, you are literally right in the middle of Hollywood, and right next to silicon valley too, not far away.

It means ads, as in like just "oh I got paid 10 million to do one day of work for some ads for some company" is easier there compared to some team like Denver lets say. This may not be paid under the table like Kawhi situation, but those players are getting that money thanks to being there.

Well, if you’re a legit star player, it would not be surprising at all to get those deals. But it’s not as simple as you're moving in LA, you'll get rich, that is not how it goes. It really depends on who you are, your marketability, and I think timing is important too. Just being an NBA player in LA doesn’t automatically mean the endorsement deals will roll in, the city gives you the platform, but you still need the best profile to earn those.

I think it probably meant more back in the day when all the advertisements and things were shot in Southern California. Thanks to Gavin Newscum’s policies, filming is fleeing California like never before, not to mention the internet’s impact and advancements to filming hardware… So I don’t think it matters as much as before and someday it won’t matter at all.