Kawhi Leonard’s $28M Aspiration Tree Planting Endorsement: Details of Controversial Company Backed by Doc Rivers & Steve Ballmer

Kawhi Leonard has made headlines in the past 24 hours that no one wishes to see themselves in. And in that mess, the LA Clippers have become a default participant, allegedly. But make no mistake, Kawhi is often described as a silent assassin on the court. His calm presence hides unmatched efficiency, whether he’s locking down opponents or hitting clutch mid-range shots. Just recently, he continued his Asia Tour, drawing fans across China who wanted to see the quiet superstar. But now, Leonard finds himself in the headlines for reasons that go far beyond basketball.

Reports have tied him to a $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration, a California-based financial firm turned tree-planting service. On the surface, the company looked green-focused and socially responsible. Yet, recent investigations claim Aspiration’s practices were riddled with fraud, and Leonard’s name is at the center of it. This surprising twist has sparked conversations about both the Clippers star and those supporting the firm.

Who is the company backed by Kawhi Leonard, Doc Rivers & Steve Ballmer?

Aspiration started with a simple but bold idea: every purchase could help plant a tree. Spare change from your coffee or groceries was rounded up, and that money funded reforestation projects. It sounded like an easy, feel-good way for ordinary people to contribute to fighting climate change. For many, that vision alone was enough to spark excitement.

The company gained credibility through its partnerships with groups like the Arbor Day Foundation and Eden Reforestation Projects. “Plant Your Change lets you use your spare change to fight climate change with every purchase you make — a few cents at a time,” said Andrei Cherny, co-founder and CEO. That kind of promise helped Aspiration attract over 1.5 million users across the country. But the story gets more interesting when you consider the names behind its growth.

Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers and team owner Steve Ballmer reportedly backed the company with significant investments. Ballmer himself, one of the richest owners in sports, was said to have poured in $50 million. With support from these high-profile figures, the project quickly gained traction.

Kawhi Leonard’s own involvement came through KL2 Aspire LLC, the firm created in his name. Court filings later revealed the company signed an endorsement deal worth $28 million with Aspiration. On paper, it looked like a powerful partnership between sports, finance, and sustainability. In reality, it became the start of one of the most controversial financial scandals to touch the NBA in recent years.

Why is the company facing controversy?

What once seemed like a forward-thinking financial firm has now collapsed under serious fraud charges. Aspiration’s co-founder Joe Sanberg recently pleaded guilty to wire fraud, admitting he deceived lenders and investors out of $248 million. Investigators revealed how he faked financial statements, exaggerated revenue, and even disguised payments as coming from customers when they did not. The company eventually filed for bankruptcy in March 2025.

Office of Public Affairs, Dept. of Justice: “Sanberg has agreed to plead guilty to two counts of wire fraud and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison per count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.”

Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The scandal raised big questions: how could a brand built around sustainability hide so much beneath the surface? Court documents showed Sanberg misled banks about Aspiration’s assets, falsely claiming the company had $250 million in available cash. In reality, they barely had $1 million. Those revelations shocked investors who once viewed the company as a trustworthy eco-driven alternative to big banks.

Pablo Torre, the journalist who uncovered Kawhi’s endorsement deal, explained the problem went deeper than just fraud. According to him, Leonard’s $28 million contract was structured like a “no-show job.” That meant Kawhi never needed to promote the company, yet still collected millions. It sounded like an endorsement deal designed for something other than marketing.

A former Aspiration employee echoed that suspicion. “The single largest payment to an individual for marketing that Aspiration ever made has completely evaded all press,” the source said. Their words suggested Leonard’s deal wasn’t about public promotion but rather financial maneuvering. With Sanberg’s guilty plea and Aspiration’s bankruptcy, the deal now looks more suspicious than ever.

What Role Did Doc Rivers and Steve Ballmer Play?

When fans first heard that Doc Rivers (gave money, but the amount isn’t public) and Steve Ballmer were connected to Aspiration, the reaction was a mix of surprise and concern. Ballmer, worth billions after his time as Microsoft CEO, reportedly invested $50 million into the company. That kind of money gave Aspiration instant credibility, making people believe this was more than a passing trend. Rivers, respected in basketball circles, also lent his support. Together, their involvement gave the project a strong spotlight.

Nov 4, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

But as the controversy grew, so did the questions surrounding their roles. Did they know about the fraud, or were they simply high-profile backers who got caught in the fallout? So far, neither has been directly tied to Sanberg’s fraudulent actions. Still, their names being attached has fueled speculation about whether the deal with Leonard had a deeper purpose.

The Clippers organization responded firmly when the allegations emerged. “Neither Mr. Ballmer nor the Clippers circumvented the salary cap or engaged in any misconduct related to Aspiration. Any contrary assertion is provably false,” the team stated. The denial was sharp, but it didn’t silence the growing debate among fans and analysts.

Interestingly, the structure of Kawhi’s contract raised eyebrows because of its conditions. One clause made it clear that the payments stopped if Leonard left the Clippers. For critics, that connected the dots between the team, the owner, and the company. Was this about planting trees, or was it about securing Leonard’s loyalty to Los Angeles? That question remains at the center of the ongoing discussion.

How does this affect Kawhi Leonard’s reputation?

Kawhi Leonard has built his image on quiet excellence. He rarely speaks in public, avoids unnecessary drama, and lets his game define him. That’s why this controversy feels so unusual to him. Fans now wonder if he knowingly took part in a scheme or if he was just caught in a storm created by others. His silence has only deepened curiosity.

Pablo Torre’s reporting claimed the endorsement deal functioned like a hidden bonus for staying with the Clippers. The contract’s wording allowed Leonard to “decline to proceed with any action desired by the Company.” Essentially, he was paid without lifting a finger, which left critics questioning the intent behind the deal. For many, it was less about tree planting and more about skirting NBA rules.

Public reaction has been divided. Some argue Kawhi’s quiet nature means he wasn’t actively involved and simply trusted those around him. Others believe his participation, even on paper, tarnishes the reputation he’s carefully maintained. After all, being linked to a $28 million “no-show job” doesn’t align with his usually low-profile image.

The NBA has not yet issued a formal response. However, commissioner Adam Silver has previously said circumventing the salary cap is considered “a cardinal sin of the NBA.” If the league reopens its investigation, Leonard’s role will be under the microscope. For now, fans are left wondering: Is this another off-court scandal that fades, or will it permanently mark Kawhi’s legacy?

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