The controversy surrounding Kawhi Leonard’s $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration has placed Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer directly in the spotlight. Allegations of “no-show jobs” tied to Leonard sparked concerns of salary cap circumvention. But Ballmer has strongly rejected any suggestion of wrongdoing.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently offered his perspective. Rather than rushing to conclusions, he appeared to give Ballmer and Leonard the benefit of the doubt. Veteran NBA insider David Aldridge of The Athletic noted that Silver’s position reflects the tremendous respect Ballmer commands across the league.

“Most people around the league genuinely like Ballmer, and respect the work and resources he’s put both into league affairs, as chair of the Board’s audit commit

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