Kawhi Leonard was fined $700,000 for his role in the Clippers' salary-cap circumvention. Sean M. Haffey / Getty ImageSept. 10, 2026 Updated 11:05 pm EDTThe Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into the LA Clippers’ alleged circumvention of the NBA salary cap through a series of endorsement deals with Kawhi Leonard, The New York Times reported Thursday.Citing people briefed on the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation, The Times reported that the U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn is leading the investigation, which is in its early stages.The people did not reveal the target of the probe or what potential crimes are under review. They also said it was unclear whether the inquiry would lead to criminal charges or be presented to a grand jury, but prosecutors have issued at least one subpoena.The Athletic reached out to the Clippers and the attorney’s office for comment, but did not receive an immediate response from either. A spokesman for the NBA declined to comment on the report.Pablo Torre reflects on the NBA's historic ruling in the Kawhi Leonard caseThe report comes a week after the Clippers were severely punished by the NBA for funneling millions to Leonard through four separate endorsement deals with team sponsors, including one with Aspiration first uncovered by journalist Pablo Torre on his podcast “Pablo Torre Finds Out.”