The NBA interviewed Kawhi Leonard and his uncle and business adviser Dennis Robertson for its investigation into allegations that the Los Angeles Clippers circumvented the salary cap to pay the seven-time All-Star, sources told ESPN's Baxter Holmes.
The league has also reportedly spoken to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, members of the club's front office, and executives from Aspiration, the now-defunct environmental company at the heart of the allegations, adds Holmes.
Ahead of Wednesday's Finals opener, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said that the independent law firm conducting the investigation needed to "wrap it up."
Ballmer has repeatedly denied paying Leonard through a $28-million "no-show" endorsement deal with Aspiration, claiming he was "conned" by the company following his $50-million investment.
Members of Leonard's camp "had nothing to hide" from the NBA and strongly refuted the allegations, saying "Bottom line - it wasn't a 'no show' deal," a source told Holmes.
Aspiration co-founder Joseph Sanberg was recently sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
Leonard is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 boards, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals across 65 appearances. He earned All-NBA second-team honors and was tied for seventh in MVP voting.
Leonard is entering the final year of his contract but is eligible to receive a two-year, $126.1-million extension from the Clippers.
