The NBA is investigating allegations filed against Jerry West and The Clippers over the hiring of Kawhi Leonard in 2019 by a free agency, a league source confirmed to ESPN.
TMZ Sports reported this week that a man who claims to be close to Leonard has filed a lawsuit against West and the Clippers, alleging that West owes him $ 2.5 million for helping the Clippers sign Leonard.
The NBA investigation into the allegations was first reported by The Athletic.
According to TMZ Sports, Johnny Wilkes alleges that he informed West, a Clippers consultant, in April 2019 that he had close ties to Leonard and All-Star uncle Dennis Robertson, and that he could provide vital information to help them. Leonard lands in free agency.
The lawsuit states that Wilkes asked for $ 2.5 million for his help and that West accepted the terms. Wilkes seeks $ 2.5 million more damages for TMZ Sports.
“I deny engaging in misconduct in connection with the signing of Kawhi Leonard,” West told TMZ Sports.
The NBA investigation would refer to “Another indirect contact,” as detailed in Article 35A (3) of the NBA Constitution, which prohibits indirect communications, such as those made through intermediaries. “.
Clippers could be fined up to $ 10 million and drafts could be lost in the event of a violation of the rule.
The Clippers signed Leonard a three-year, $ 103.1 million contract with a player option for the 2021-22 season in July 2019. The two-time MVP of the Finals joined the Clippers after changing to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, four unprotected first-NBA draft picks, a protected first-round pick, and two first-round swaps in Oklahoma City by Paul George.
George signed a maximum contract extension last week that guarantees up to $ 226 million over the next five years.