Kawhi Leonard

Dennis Robertson (Kawhi Leonard's Uncle Dennis) asked the Clippers during 2019 free agency for access to a private plane, a house and guaranteed off-court endorsement money, according to Baxter Holmes of ESPN.

This is the first reporting of what was widely assumed. It was previously reported Robertson made similar requests of the Raptors and Lakers.

The overly generous possibility was Leonard primarily wanted to sign with the Clippers and was seeking extra benefits from only trailing teams.

But apparently Robertson was asking everyone for illicit inducements.

Steve Ballmer

When Ramona Shelburne of ESPN asked whether Dennis Robertson requested things prohibited by the CBA, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer gave a lengthy answer:

"They know the rules – they meaning Kawhi and his representatives, including his uncle. We know the rules. And if anything is not clear, we remind ourselves what the rules are. And we make absolutely clear we're going to abide by those rules. And they understand them, as well. And it's important for them to abide by them, which they have."

I'm unsure whether Ballmer intended that to be a denial. He could have just said "no" if he did.

But, taken literally, it was a denial.

Ballmer said it's important for Leonard's representatives to abide by the rules, "which they have."

Robertson merely requesting illicit benefits breaks the rules. The CBA prohibits someone "acting with authority on behalf of" a player to "attempt to enter into or to intentionally solicit any agreement" that violates circumvention rules.

Maybe this is nitpicking. But I also think it's fair of someone who is as on top of circumvention rules as Ballmer claims to be.

Kawhi Leonard

Several members of the Clippers want to part with Kawhi Leonard, according to Ashish Mathur of DallasHoopsJournal, including one who said:

“This has been a nightmare,” a Clippers source said about the Leonard era. “He’s an incredibly talented player when he’s healthy, but as everyone knows, he’s rarely healthy and his camp is just so difficult to deal with. His time here, thankfully, is coming to an end soon.”

Clippers personnel talking this way, even anonymously, represents a sea change. As Baxter Holmes' article details, the Clippers had been walking on eggshells around Leonard for fear of upsetting him.

But if – and I'm not predicting it – Leonard stays healthy and produces, there will again be strong appetite for him leading a team. NBA superstars are so rare and so valuable, teams will put up with plenty to have one.

Adam Silver

Adam Silver a week ago:

"When the podcast came out, it was news to me. I'd frankly never heard of the company Aspiration before."

Silver – after Pablo Torre reported Aspiration's sponsorship of the Clippers required NBA approval – via Front Office Sports:

"If I said I never heard of it, I meant in the context of the accusations here. I certainly was aware of the brand."

I know of nobody who appears to be more careful with his words than Silver. I'm unsure what to make of him changing his story.

But it is weird.

Investigation

The NBA's investigation into the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard is expected to conclude sometime after the All-Star game (which the Clippers are hosting), according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.

On one hand, the law firm the league hired should get time to do a thorough job. On the other hand, the more time that passes without new information, the more the intensity of this scandal will fade – which might serve the league's interests.

Jonathan Kuminga

Jonathan Kuminga's side indicated he would've accepted a roughly two-year, $50 million offer from the Warriors with no options, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.

Golden State's latest reported offer guarantees Kuminga $48 million over the next two years – pretty close. However, the offer also includes a team option in the third season.

In some respects, a third-season team option at a salary Kuminga finds reasonable isn't so bad. What are the odds he'd be worth significantly more than $27 million in 2027-28? But it is clear Kuminga really does not want to grant the Warriors the level of control over his career that comes with a team option.

Mostly, I take this as indication the sides are close enough to reach a deal – but it depends whether Golden State is insistent on a team option as Kuminga is opposed.

Future power rankings

ESPN ranks all 30 teams by expected success the next three seasons – always a fun exercise. I see a divide after No. 18 between teams happy with their medium-term outlook and teams not.

Old future power rankings

I was curious how well ESPN's future power rankings from three years ago predicted the last three seasons, and well… The three champions ranked No. 9 (Nuggets), No. 3 (Celtics) and No. 23 (Thunder).

No. 1? The Grizzlies.

-Dan Feldman