LOS ANGELES — On his podcast Pablo Torre Finds Out, Pablo Torre revealed troubling details about Kawhi Leonard’s financial ties to a now-bankrupt company. His reporting suggests that Leonard’s $28 million payday from Aspiration, a firm backed by Steve Ballmer, may have been an attempt to skirt NBA salary cap rules. The revelations form the latest chapter in Kawhi Leonard’s scandal.
Kawhi Leonard’s Uncle’s Demands Come Into Focus In Scandal
The Aspiration Connection
Aspiration branded itself as a “tree brokerage.” The company collapsed into bankruptcy in March 2025. Records revealed that one creditor was KL2 Aspire LLC, an entity tied directly to Leonard. The initials “KL2” connect to Leonard’s jersey number. Torre reported that Leonard collected $28 million from Aspiration for an endorsement deal. Unlike Drake and Robert Downey Jr., who participated in campaigns, Leonard’s name never appeared in meaningful marketing.
Toronto’s Disappointment
John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports added new context. His sources say Toronto’s owner Larry Tannebaum felt betrayed when Leonard chose the Clippers. Tannebaum believed he “bent over backwards” for Leonard, even calling three sponsors to meet Leonard’s demand of $15 million in endorsements. Tannebaum’s complaint reached Adam Silver, raising concerns that cheating was getting out of control. No action followed. League officials brushed it off as confusion about rules, promising only to get stricter later.
The Uncle’s Role
Much of the controversy centers on one figure: Dennis Robertson, Leonard’s uncle. Robertson has long shaped his nephew’s career. After Leonard joined the Clippers, the NBA launched an investigation into Robertson’s conduct, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick. The probe found no violations.
The NBA bans financial perks that exceed contracts. Still, Robertson allegedly asked team officials for part ownership of the team, a private plane that would be available at all times, a house and — last but certainly not least — a guaranteed amount of off-court endorsement money that they could expect if Leonard played for their team.
Demands That Crossed the Line
The Lakers reportedly denied those requests. Robertson then asked about the ownership stake granted to Magic Johnson in 1991 after his forced retirement. That deal was legal. Handing Leonard team equity would not be.
League officials again cleared Robertson of wrongdoing. Yet the demands he allegedly made continue to shadow Leonard’s Clippers tenure.
A Scandal That Won’t Disappear
Kawhi Leonard’s scandal has grown beyond questions of a shady endorsement deal. It now shines a light on Robertson’s role and the blurred lines between negotiation and violation. The NBA has strict rules designed to protect competitive balance. But Leonard’s camp repeatedly tested the limits.
For fans, the whispers remain louder than the denials. For the league, the scandal is unlikely to fade soon.
© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The post Kawhi Leonard’s Uncle’s Demands Come Into Focus In Scandal appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.