The NBA is preparing to close one of its most delicate investigations in recent years. Speaking before Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the Spurs and Knicks, Commissioner Adam Silver provided an update on the investigation involving the Los Angeles Clippers and a potential violation of the league’s salary cap rules.

Silver did not offer a specific timeline for the conclusion of the investigation, but his message was clear: the time to reach a final decision is approaching.

We can’t investigate forever. At some point we have to bring this matter to a close. The most important thing is getting it right, but we’ve reached a stage where a resolution is also necessary

Adam Silver

According to the commissioner, the work conducted by the law firm overseeing the investigation is now at an advanced stage, and both the Clippers and the rest of the league need clarity regarding the final outcome.

The Kawhi Leonard case and salary cap circumvention concerns

The investigation began last September and is being led by the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. At the center of the case is the suspicion that the Clippers may have circumvented the salary cap through a business arrangement connected to Kawhi Leonard.

Investigators are focused on a $28 million endorsement agreement between Leonard and green banking company Aspiration. The same company also had a separate agreement with the Clippers worth approximately $300 million over 23 years.

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has consistently denied any involvement, stating that he was unaware of Leonard’s agreement and did not pressure the company in any way to facilitate it.

The situation has become even more complicated in recent days. Aspiration has since gone bankrupt, and co-founder Joe Sanberg was recently sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of wire fraud.

Silver: “Decisions will be based on facts”

When asked whether the recent developments involving Aspiration could affect the NBA’s final judgment, Silver reiterated that the league will not make decisions based on public perception.

I constantly read and hear opinions about what may or may not have happened. My job isn’t to follow perceptions – it’s to follow the facts

Adam Silver

The commissioner explained that the independent law firm will first present its findings. Only then will the NBA determine whether disciplinary action is warranted.

There are two separate processes: first, establishing the facts, and then deciding whether any action needs to be taken

Adam Silver

The NBA declares war on tanking

During his media session, Silver also addressed the issue of tanking, a practice that has become increasingly common among teams seeking better Draft positioning.

Last week, the Board of Governors approved changes proposed by Silver to the Draft Lottery system specifically aimed at limiting the incentive to tank.

According to Silver, the problem is not new, but the speed at which it has become an accepted strategy around the league has caught many by surprise.

This year it felt like roughly a third of the league was responding to incentives that made it advantageous to finish near the bottom of the standings

Adam Silver

The situation has been fueled in part by the widespread belief that the 2026 NBA Draft class is exceptionally talented.

NBA Expansion: Seattle and Las Vegas remain the favorites

Silver also confirmed that the league continues to work on its expansion plans.

The cities most heavily involved in discussions remain Seattle and Las Vegas, with multiple ownership groups expressing interest in acquiring a future franchise.

The commissioner emphasized, however, that no final decision has been made.

Discussions are ongoing. It’s not guaranteed that expansion will happen in one city or both, but we expect the Board of Governors to make a decision by the end of 2026

Adam Silver

NBA Europe: target launch in 2027

Among the most intriguing topics Silver discussed was the future NBA Europe project.

The proposed structure would feature 16 teams: 12 permanent franchises and four spots available through qualification from other European clubs.

The NBA continues to hold discussions with the EuroLeague in an effort to find a collaborative framework.

The structure is already defined. We’re talking with potential owners and with some clubs that are already part of European basketball. We hope to find a way to integrate the project with the EuroLeague, but we’ll move forward regardless

Adam Silver

The goal remains to launch the competition during the 2027-28 season, opening a new chapter for European basketball under the direct influence of the NBA.