Clippers' Kawhi Leonard received payment from 'no-show job' days after investment by minority owner: report

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Aspiration Partners Inc., the company that reportedly entered a $28 million legal agreement with Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard for a "no-show job," was running out of money in December 2022, yet still paid Leonard. 

The San Francisco-based environmental company laid off employees, including some executives, as it ran out of money. Sports reporter Pablo Torre said Clippers minority owner Dennis J. Wong made nearly a $2 million investment into Aspiration while the company struggled in a recent episode of his podcast.

Aspiration then paid Leonard $1.75 million of Wong’s investment, fulfilling the required amount that was agreed upon in his endorsement contract with the company while the company was laying off employees. 

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Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard looks toward the scoreboard during the second half in Inglewood, Calif., May 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, file)

The NBA announced last week that it is investigating Leonard’s $28 million endorsement contract to determine if it circumvented the league’s salary cap rules. 

Aspiration filed for bankruptcy this year. It listed several creditors at that time, among them the Clippers, who were owed about $30 million, and a company called KL2 Aspire LLC, which was owed $7 million.

Leonard is listed as the manager of that company in California filings. His initials are KL, and 2 is his jersey number.

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LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets during Game 7 of the first round of the 2025 NBA