Suns Owner Defends Steve Ballmer Amid NBA's Clippers Investigation

Matt Ishbia had some positive words for the Clippers' owner on an appearance on ESPN.

Sep 30, 2024; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) talks with team owner Steve Ballmer during media day at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The NBA's investigation into the alleged salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers has been the story of the offseason.

Although there was plenty of player movement and some new-look rosters, the headline was the story hanging over the Clippers.

As Pablo Torre from Pablo Torre Finds Out alleged, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer used their relationship with now-bankrupt financial company Aspiration to funnel money to their superstar Kawhi Leonard outside of his NBA contract.

BREAKING: Sports investigator Pablo Torre drops a bombshell report: Kawhi Leonard reportedly signed a $28M endorsement with a fraudulent tree-planting company, funded by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer "to circumvent the salary cap rules".

Shocking development. pic.twitter.com/C9kykk59LF

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 3, 2025

With millions of dollars allegedly being thrown around between Ballmer, the Clippers minority owner Dennis Wong, and Leonard's team, the NBA is conducting a thorough investigation into the serious allegations.

The penalties, if incurred, would be severe if cap circumvention is proven, which could lead to fines, the loss of draft picks, contract voiding, and suspension.

Matt Ishbia Speaks on the Investigation

Dec 19, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia sits courtside against the Indiana Pacers at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Steve Ballmer has an admirable reputation among owners for his work within the league, including building the Clippers' brand-new $2 billion stadium, Intuit Dome, purely off private funding, with an emphasis on the fan experience.

Phoenix Suns owner Matt Ishbia recently appeared on NBA Today on ESPN and spoke about the situation with the Clippers.

“You know, honestly, I'm not that concerned about it, to be honest. I know Steve Ballmer, and I think he's a great guy, and he says he didn't do that. I believe him. Obviously, the NBA is going to do their investigation. But, you know, I don't really think that stuff is rampant," Ishbia said.

Matt Ishbia, one of the NBA’s 30 governors whom Adam Silver works for, on the Clippers investigation and the issue of potential salary-cap circumvention:

“I’m not that concerned about it to be honest. I know Steve Ballmer and I think he’s a great guy. He says he didn’t do that… pic.twitter.com/wBvB1zOryN

— APHoops (@APH00PS) September 25, 2025

What Will Happen?

Everyone has an opinion on what is going to happen to the Clippers at the end of the investigation.

Mar 28, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer leaves his court side seat after a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Pundits, media members, and fans have all weighed in on shows and on social media to give their analysis, but the truth is nobody knows.

It would be ignorant to say that anyone has an answer to how the NBA will move forward with their investigation, and a verdict is likely not going to come until late in the season.

EXCLUSIVE: @PabloTorre is back with more receipts — on Steve Ballmer, Uncle Dennis and more.

Grand total, per newly uncovered documents: The Clippers and their execs sent Aspiration $118M in 18 months, as Kawhi Leonard's camp pushed for "no-show" payments. pic.twitter.com/wlE1QBK4g4

— Pablo Torre Finds Out (@pablofindsout) September 18, 2025

Ishbia spoke on that aspect of the investigation, saying, “I think there's obviously things that people can say and talk about. But until you actually prove that someone's done something wrong, like, I believe that things are fair... So, you know, I don't think that's really happening that much. But obviously, the NBA will do its own investigation.”

With Media Day around the corner and the NBA season coming up, the Clippers have a team that's built to win a title, but will the investigation cloud that notion?

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