The NBA is investigating allegations made against Jerry West and the LA Clippers involving the free-agency recruitment of Kawhi Leonard in 2019, a league source confirmed to ESPN.
TMZ Sports reported this week that a man who claims to be close to Leonard filed a lawsuit against West and the Clippers, alleging that West owes him $2.5 million for helping the Clippers sign Leonard.
“I deny engaging in any improper conduct in connection with the signing of 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 close ties to Leonard and the All-Star’s uncle, Dennis Robertson, and that he could and did provide vital information to help the Clippers land Leonard in free agency.
The lawsuit claims Wilkes asked for $2.5 million for his help and that West agreed to the terms. Wilkes is seeking $2.5 million plus damages, per TMZ Sports.
“The lawsuit filed by Johnny Wilkes is replete with inaccuracies and the allegations are baseless,” the Clippers said in a statement Thursday. “The Clippers are fully cooperating with the NBA in its investigation, which is standard when these types of allegations are made. They are providing the NBA with evidence that the allegations are false.”
The NBA’s investigation would pertain to “Other Indirect Contact” as detailed under Article 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 violated the rule.
The Clippers signed Leonard to a three-year, $103.1 million deal with a player option for the 2021-22 season in July 2019. The two-time Finals MVP joined the Clippers after they traded Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, four unprotected first-round NBA draft picks, one protected first-round pick and two first-round pick swaps to Oklahoma City for Paul George.
George signed a maximum contract extension last week that guarantees as much as $226 million over the next five years.
