Ballmer: I have a good relationship with Leonard, and he has attracted a lot of speculation for his lack of words.

On September 5, Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer accepted an exclusive interview with ESPN and responded to the outside world's allegations of evading wage caps for the first time.

The incident is the latest allegation about Leonard's commercial dealings with the Clippers. In the summer of 2019, there were reports that Leonard and his team of agents (led by his uncle Dennis Robertson) had made improper demands to several teams, including requiring some stake in the team, private jets, housing and off-site endorsement revenue. The league has launched an investigation into this and did not determine that the Clippers had any violations, but said that if there is new evidence, it will resume the investigation.

In December 2020, the NBA also investigated the Clippers' behavior during the signing of Leonard, when Johnny Wilkes filed a lawsuit claiming that he helped the Clippers sign Leonard and should receive $2.5 million from team adviser Jerry West. The Clippers denied all charges, the case was eventually dismissed, and the league did not impose any punishment.

When asked if Leonard's uncle had any additional requirements for violating the rules of the league, Ballmer said: "They know the rules. I mean Leonard and his agents, including his uncle, and we also know the rules. If there is any uncertainty, we will remind ourselves what the rules are and make it clear that we will follow them. They understand this and follow them."

When asked why Leonard had so many accusations during the six years of joining the Clippers, Ballmer said: "I'm too." I don't know. I think it's because he doesn't speak much, so people have a lot of speculation about him. Maybe that's why fans will make up for it themselves and even create some statements. I have a good relationship with Leonard. We sit down and chat a few times a year to talk about the situation of the team. "

"These allegations are not true. But the most important thing for me is that we did it right in all these interactions. Leonard's business affairs are his own business, but we have always done it in compliance."

(NBA official website)