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Kawhi Leonard spotted at US Open amid $28M NBA firestorm

The Los Angeles Clippers superstar enjoys some tennis as the league investigates him.
Matt Ryan|
LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) warms up before the game against the Denver Nuggets during game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena.
LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) warms up before the game against the Denver Nuggets during game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The US Open always brings out the stars. Kawhi Leonard happened to be one of them on Friday amid his scandal involving the Los Angeles Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer.

A report alleges the Clippers funneled $28 million to Leonard through a team sponsor to circumvent the salary cap where Ballmer invested $50 million in the the company Aspiration, and it signed Leonard to a $28-million no-show contract. The company has since gone bankrupt.

It’s now a major scandal the NBA is investigating, which could lead to harsh penalties for both the Clippers and Leonard.

RELATED: Livvy Dunne steals US Open spotlight with dance in stands

Steve Ballme
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Despite all that, the 34-year-old, two-time NBA champ Leonard made his first big public appearance since the news broke at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York to enjoy the men’s semifinals matches.

RELATED: Jannik Sinner leaves clues girlfriend is Laila Hasanovic at US Open, not Brooks Nader

He’s even got the headphones in doing his own thing.

Leonard will be entering his 14th season in the league and sixth with the Clippers.

He won a titles with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014, and another with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.

Kawhi Leonar
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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Matt Ryan
MATT RYAN

Matt Ryan is a dedicated sports journalist with over 20 years of experience in digital and linear media. After receiving a Masters in Journalism from USC, he’s worked for Fox Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo Sports, USA Today Sports Media Group, and Bally Sports, while holding various leadership roles along the way.

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