Kawhi Leonard

Former Aspiration CEO denies Kawhi Leonard had no-show deal

Published

September 13, 2025

Clippers' forward Kawhi Leonard handling the ball in Friday's matchup against the Nets.

Mar 28, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Kawhi Leonard/Los Angeles Clippers saga is continuing to unfold here in the NBA offseason. Leonard, along with Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, has been accused of trying to get one over the salary cap by giving Leonard a fake position on Ballmer’s company, Aspiration.

Related: NBA investigates Kawhi Leonard over fake role with tree-planting service

Andrei Cherny is the former CEO of Aspiration, a tree-planting and service company, recently spoke out about the ordeal. He claims Leonard never had a no-show deal.

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With the many "hot takes" in the past 10 days about the Clippers/Kawhi Leonard, it's been surprising (though maybe it shouldn't be) that until now no reporter has bothered to reach out to me for the facts about that contract. This is what I told the NY Times/Athletic today: pic.twitter.com/VuhlM02fCQ

— Andrei Cherny (@AndreiCherny) September 12, 2025

So, did Leonard and Ballmer have this fraudulent deal in place? Or, is it a made-up rumor to try to discredit the Los Angeles Clippers?

About the Author Published Sep 13, 2025

TITAN FREY

Titan Frey is a dedicated father to three wonderful children, whom he takes immense pride in. His passions include reading, writing, basketball, both playing and watching, and playing chess. Titan spent five years working as a journalist for the basketball website fadeawayworld.net, where he served as editor-in-chief for four and a half years. One of his most notable achievements was interviewing Chuck Cooper III, the son of Chuck Cooper, the first African American ever drafted by an NBA team, and writing a biography that has been praised as the most definitive article about Cooper’s legacy. Titan is the author of more than ten novels and the screenwriter of three produced short films. His newest young adult novel, Echoes of the Hardwood: Braxton Foxworthy’s Time‑Travelling Book Report, blends basketball history with heartfelt storytelling and is now available. Order here: https://a.co/d/bo7BYz1