Former Aspiration CEO Refutes 'No-Show' Contract Claims Against Kawhi Leonard

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard's endorsement contract with Aspiration, valued at $48 million, has been at the center of salary cap circumvention allegations. However, former Aspiration CEO Andrei Cherny released a statement on September 12, 2025, asserting that Leonard's contract was legitimate, containing specific provisions like an eight-hour 'day of work' and five social media posts annually. Cherny denied any discussions about the NBA salary cap during contract negotiations. Despite these contractual requirements, there is no evidence Leonard performed the work, yet payments continued. The Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer vehemently deny wrongdoing, with Ballmer claiming he was 'duped.' However, Ballmer's personal $50 million investment in Aspiration in 2021, followed by Leonard's contract, and subsequent investments by Ballmer and minority owner Dennis Wong during Aspiration's financial struggles, have raised scrutiny. The NBA's investigation into the matter is ongoing, with Commissioner Adam Silver emphasizing a high burden of proof.