League executives talk about Leonard s Yin-Yang contract: Unheard enough to put the Clippers in trouble

According to The Athletic reporter Sam Amick, The Athletic interviewed several senior executives in the league regarding the yin-yang contract between Leonard and the Clippers, and they all pointed out one thing clearly: No, this is by no means normal.

One executive pointed out that Ballmer's huge investment in team sponsors, coupled with Leonard's suspicious contract (or multiple contracts) was enough to put them in trouble in front of the league. Several executives pointed out that the size of Leonard's contract alone is a red flag in itself.

Someone publicly expressed doubts whether this could explain why Leonard, a man who has historically been petty for every penny in personal negotiations, later agreed to a contract that was less than the maximum salary in 2024, giving the Clippers additional flexibility in lineup configuration. The league responds more to this matter than shock and frustration than indifference or sympathy.

A senior general manager said of this arrangement: "This kind of (endorsement agreement) is unheard of."

Another executive said: "I have never seen this."