By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The NBA launched an investigation in the free-agency recruitment of Kawhi Leonard by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019, the team confirmed in a statement Thursday.
“The lawsuit filed by Johnny Wilkes is replete with inaccuracies and the allegations are baseless,” noted the Clippers, “The Clippers are fully cooperating with the NBA in its investigation, which is standard when these types of allegations are made. They are providing the NBA with evidence that the allegations are false.”
The allegations made by Wilkes, a man claiming to be close to Leonard and his uncle Dennis Robertson, include helping the Clippers consultant Jerry West finalize the deal, which would be a direct violation of NBA rules. He is seeking $2.5M plus damages, relays ESPN.
“Not at all. That has nothing to do with me coming here,” responded the former San Diego State standout, born in Los Angeles, “Nobody swayed my mind. I’m from LA. I grew up here my whole life. Out here, people try to find any way to get some money. It probably won’t be the last. I know a lot of people out here.”
The 2019 move was also investigated last season after reports regarding the Clippers purchasing a home for Leonard’s uncle.
The 2014 and 2019 NBA champion joined his current team after one season with the Toronto Raptors and seven with the San Antonio Spurs. He signed a three-year, $103M contract, as a free agent.