[Pablo Torre] Steve Balmer paid Kawhi Leonard under the table to avoid salary cap

You know Pablo is going to drop something this week.

 

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48961294/adam-silver-clippers-investigation-needs-wrap-soon

 

I'm a little surprised Silver has let it go on this long. The NBA does not have subpoena power. I expected it would take some time to investigate and then Silver would casually help the announcement fall after the ASB, but before the playoffs. I really wasn't expecting it to happen in the offseason.

 

There was no doubt in my mind this would not be addressed until the offseason, for two reasons: (1) The investigation must be very thorough and the NBA must completely protect its rear end if any action is taken [plus, they are scared Pablo Torre will embarrass them with further revelations after their decision] and (2) Adam Silver does not want the story to blow up during the season or playoffs.

My wild guess is the league will issue findings and penalties shortly after the Finals, definitely before free agency and possibly before the draft.

 

Adum silver is soft as tissue paper

I knew he was weak when Draymond physically assaulted Jordan Poole violently and Draymond not only did not get suspended but was actually allowed to be present on opening ceremony ring night

would not shock me also if LeBron is on epo likr Chael sonnen said and the nba is covering it up

 

The NBA does not generate much news except draft and around free agency period duing the offseason. I thought they would do it during the season well before playoffs to allow games to push it out of the media light. This story is going to linger.

Though offseason is better than the playoffs.

 

This is a situation where Silver will be outmaneuvered. It’s a tactical problem leaders who have a boss face. He can protect the logo at risk of being humiliated by the press ( which they are eager to do) or he can get fired for not protecting the value of the logo. It’s messy. But the truth will come out. So what side of history does he want to be on. Almost improbable odds to sweep under the rug at this point.

 

I think the Clippers will get off with a $19 million cap reduction/hold/whatever to *set off* for the fraudulent deal, no draft penalties, void Kawhi's contract, which has 1 year left anyway.

Basically a slap on the wrist, because there is absolutley no question in my mind or anybody's mind (save sycophants who want Steve Ballmer to give them money) that what is alleged to have occurred is exactly what occurred.

 

Yeah. The NBA is NOT going to put itself on the line and do anything bold that would tick off Ballmer, might annoy the NBPA and cause lengthy, angry legal challenges sports media would feast on indefinitely.

They won't do anything that would be bad for business ($$$), especially with insane revenue growth locked in for the next 10 years..

 

@Easy

 

This guy has spine.

 

This "source" is someone Adam Silver is using to lower expectations of what will happen.

 

Only when he's on his knees and needs to be upright to take the whole shaft.

 

Silver will only punish a Clippers owner that uses the N word. Circumventing the cap or using PEDs is whatever to him.

 

I think if there is evidence it will simply be a large fine and a voiding of the contract. I don’t think they do anything to hurt the Clippers cap or draft. Balmer would accept that and there would be no need for legal battles.

 

Baxter Holmes is a good reporter but this story is like "Clippers, Kawhi say they did nothing wrong" without mentioning the *mountains* of evidence otherwise and not even any attempt to explain themselves

Kawhi says it's a not a secret no show deal, it's like his other endorsements

Ok which ones? Show me the contracts? I see Kawhi in lots of NB spots. So it's not like that.

I don't doubt the fix is in here and it's pretty disgusting

 

Doesn't surprise me