Kawhi Leonard’s Alleged “Under-the-Table” Deal with Clippers: 4 Outrageous Demands Revealed — He’s C

　　Report by Cai Houxuan / Comprehensive Coverage

　　The investigation into Kawhi Leonard’s alleged “under-the-table” contract with the Los Angeles Clippers — an attempt to circumvent the salary cap — keeps widening. It’s already stalled the blockbuster trade that would send him back to the Toronto Raptors. But here’s the thing: according to U.S. media, Leonard himself is convinced the deal will be finalized before the Raptors open training camp next month.

　　According to *The Athletic*, back in 2019 when Leonard hit free agency, he made some jaw-dropping demands that crossed the line. Not only did he ask for a slice of the team’s equity and extra side income beyond his salary — which already screams illegal under-the-table agreement — he also insisted on flying private for road games instead of team charter. That’s a huge no-no in the NBA, where team chemistry and safety rules are strict. No superstar had ever asked for that. On top of it all, he wanted free housing and other lifestyle perks.

　　The Lakers, who were also chasing him hard at the time, flat-out said no. The Clippers? They swallowed the whole package to build a championship squad, trading for Paul George and eventually landing Leonard.

　　Fast forward to today, and that gamble has turned into a nightmare. Leonard and George never made it to the Finals together. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — the guy they gave up in the initial trade — has become a genuine superstar. And the draft picks they sacrificed? They’re still crippling the Clippers’ future.

　　Here’s the messy part: the Clippers wanted to move Leonard, who has one year left on his deal, to the Raptors. Toronto was ready to send Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, a pick swap, and two second-rounders. But the NBA is now investigating whether Leonard got “ghost endorsement” money — no actual work required — from the now-defunct green bank Aspiration and the giant scoreboard maker Daktronics. That’s why the Raptors have put the trade on hold.

　　Still, according to Jake Fischer’s latest report on *The Stein Line*, Leonard is confident the trade will go through before the Raptors start training camp next month. The investigation team has all the new evidence in hand, and league insiders expect the NBA to hit the Clippers with some kind of penalty within the next six weeks, while also clearing the way for the trade. If that happens, Leonard is expected to sign a multi-year extension with Toronto.

　　If the punishment turns out too harsh, the Clippers are ready to take legal action — arbitration. This whole under-the-table storm, which could reshape the Clippers’ future and Leonard’s career, is now waiting for the league’s final ruling.