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The NBA is investigating allegations made against Jerry West and the LA Clippers regarding the free agency recruiting of Kawhi Leonard in 2019, a league source has confirmed to ESPN.
TMZ Sports reported this week that a man who claims to be close to Leonard has filed a lawsuit against West and the Clippers, alleging that West owed him $ 2.5 million for helping the Clippers sign Leonard.
“I deny engaging in any improper conduct in connection with signing Kawhi Leonard,” West told TMZ Sports.
The NBA’s investigation into the allegations was first reported by The Athletic.
According to TMZ Sports, Johnny Wilkes alleges that he informed West, a Clippers consultant, in April 2019 that he had a close connection to Leonard and All-Star uncle Dennis Robertson and that he could and did provide information. vital to helping the Clippers. Leonard field in free agency.
The lawsuit claims Wilkes asked for $ 2.5 million for his help and that West agreed to the terms. Wilkes is asking for $ 2.5 million plus damages, per TMZ Sports.
“The lawsuit brought by Johnny Wilkes is full of inaccuracies and the allegations are baseless,” the Clippers said in a statement Thursday. “The Clippers are fully cooperating with the NBA in their investigation, which is normal when these types of allegations are made. They are providing the NBA with evidence that the allegations are false.”
The NBA’s investigation would focus on “other indirect contacts” as detailed in Section 35A (3) of the NBA Constitution, which “prohibits indirect communications, such as those made through intermediaries.”
The Clippers could be fined up to $ 10 million and lose draft picks if they are found to have broken the rule.
The Clippers signed Leonard on a three-year, $ 103.1 million contract with a player option for the 2021-22 season in July 2019. The two-time final MVP joined the Clippers after trading Shai Gilgeous-Alexander , Danilo Gallinari, first four unprotected. – NBA draft picks, one protected first-round pick and two first-round picks in Oklahoma City for Paul George.
George signed a maximum contract extension last week that guarantees up to $ 226 million over the next five years.
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