The NBA is investigating allegations made against Jerry West and the LA Clippers involving the recruitment of Kawhi Leonard to free agency in 2019, 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 to help 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’s uncle, Dennis Robertson, and that he could provide vital information. to help the Clippers hire Leonard to free agency.
The lawsuit says Wilkes claimed to have asked for $ 2.5 million for his help and that West accepted the terms. Wilkes is seeking $ 2.5 million more in damages, according to TMZ Sports.
A West representative told TMZ Sports that the consultant was unaware of any legal action and said, “I am not aware that any lawsuit has been filed against me and I deny having engaged in any inappropriate conduct in connection with the signing. of Kawhi Leonard “.
The NBA investigation would correspond to “Another Indirect Contact,” as detailed in Article 35A (3) of the NBA Constitution, which “prohibits indirect communications, such as those made through intermediaries.”
The Clippers could receive a fine of up to $ 10 million and the loss of draft picks if they are determined to have violated the rule.
The Clippers signed Leonard for three years and $ 103.1 million with a player option for the 2021-22 season in July 2019. The two-time MVP of the Finals joined the Clippers after they traded Shai Gilgeous -Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick and two first-round pick changes to Oklahoma City Thunder by Paul George.
George signed a maximum contract extension last week that guarantees up to $ 226 million over the next five years.