Rumors surrounding the Los Angeles Clippers: The specifications outlined by Kawhi Leonard's Uncle Dennis during the 2019 free agency period
In the summer of 2019, the Los Angeles Clippers made a bold move to secure the services of superstar Kawhi Leonard. However, the road to his acquisition was not without its twists and turns.
Reports surfaced that Leonard's uncle, Dennis Robertson, presented a series of demands before the forward agreed to join the Clippers. Among these demands were accommodations such as allowing Leonard to live in San Diego initially and commute by helicopter, reducing media obligations and community appearances, marketing him as an individual star, and allowing members of his personal circle into the organization.
However, the Clippers rejected several of Robertson's demands, including ownership stakes in the franchise, access to a private plane, a house, and guaranteed off-court sponsorship money. These requests fell outside of the league's collective bargaining agreement.
The NBA's current investigation into the Clippers stems from the involvement of financial services company, Aspiration. In 2022, Aspiration signed Leonard to a $28 million contract, but the company later collapsed amid a federal fraud case. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer also invested $50 million in Aspiration.
The Clippers' acquisition of Paul George was a key factor in Leonard's decision to join the franchise. The team had dismissed television analyst Bruce Bowen in 2018, a decision widely viewed as clearing the way for Leonard's arrival.
The Clippers also made several accommodations for Leonard, including allowing him to live in San Diego initially and commute by helicopter, reducing media obligations and community appearances, and marketing him as an individual star.
Among Robertson's demands was a strict policy on speaking about Leonard publicly, with coaches and executives to say nothing unless absolutely necessary. However, a team source disputed some of the requests described and the tone in which others were presented.
It is worth noting that these same demands were also made to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Toronto Raptors. Leonard eventually moved to Los Angeles full time.
Robertson did not respond to ESPN's request for comment on the latest report. The Clippers and the NBA continue to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
This article provides a snapshot of the complex negotiations that took place behind the scenes during the Clippers' pursuit of Kawhi Leonard in 2019. The story serves as a reminder of the intricate dance that often takes place between athletes, their representatives, and the teams vying for their services.
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