The Los Angeles Clippers are facing a federal investigation over salary-cap allegations involving star forward Kawhi Leonard, adding another layer to a controversy that has already drawn a major NBA punishment, reported New York Post. The development comes after the league imposed a $30 million fine on the franchise over alleged salary-cap violations connected to Leonard. The reported federal probe could bring additional scrutiny to the team’s dealings and raise questions about how Leonard’s contract and related arrangements were handled. While the investigation is reportedly ongoing, the allegations have not established wrongdoing by Leonard or the Clippers beyond the NBA’s disciplinary findings. More details could emerge as authorities examine the matter.The latest scrutiny comes only days after the NBA handed the Clippers one of the most severe punishments in league history. The league determined that the franchise and Leonard violated salary-cap circumvention provisions included in its Collective Bargaining Agreement with the National Basketball Players Association.The NBA’s decision followed an independent investigation carried out by the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. According to the league, investigators uncovered a pattern of misconduct involving the Clippers and identified multiple significant violations of NBA rules. The franchise had previously been disciplined for salary-cap circumvention.The NBA responded with a $30 million fine against the Clippers, while team owner Steve Ballmer was suspended. The league also imposed a major draft penalty, stripping the franchise of five first-round draft picks.The punishment has not been accepted quietly by the Clippers. The organization has strongly disputed the NBA’s findings and penalties, saying it plans to 'vigorously challenge' the league’s conclusions, according to the media outlet.The reported federal investigation could now add another dimension to the controversy. A criminal probe by federal prosecutors would be separate from the NBA’s internal disciplinary process and could potentially examine whether any conduct violated federal law.Leonard remains at the heart of the allegations. The veteran forward has built one of the most decorated careers of his generation, winning two NBA championships and two Finals MVP awards while earning seven All-Star selections. He is also widely regarded as one of basketball’s premier two-way players.The development has intensified scrutiny of the Clippers as the franchise prepares to challenge the NBA’s ruling while the reported federal investigation adds another layer of uncertainty.