NBA Investigating Jerry West and the Clippers Over Kawhi Leonard Signing

The NBA noticed a report earlier this week from TMZ Sports and have opened up an investigation. The report was regarding Johnny Wilkes, who sued Jerry West over not being paid millions of dollars for his part in landing Kawhi Leonard with the Los Angeles Clippers.

TMZ ran this statement from West: "... I deny engaging in any improper conduct in connection with the signing of Kawhi Leonard."

This is the original @TMZ_Sports story: https://t.co/rpHNqAqPuj

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 17, 2020

While the rumors have been rampant about Leonard's treatment as a member of the Clippers, this is the first major allegation about the free agency process. 

What else went on behind the scenes? Who else has been paid-off and who else is owed money?

This could get messy for the Clippers and not so much for Leonard. 

The report included: 

Wilkes says he told West and the Clippers they needed to get Paul George first and foremost to hook Kawhi. He then says he helped connect West with Kawhi's uncle. Wilkes also claims in the suit he gave West a specific gameplan for how the Clippers should pitch Kawhi during an important meeting with West, Leonard, Doc Rivers and others in July 2019.

"This information was vital," Wilkes said in the lawsuit, "because it was the exact information Kawhi Leonard wanted to hear at the time in order to effectuate his signing with the Clippers. Wilkes also says he helped facilitate a deal between West and Kawhi's uncle ... in which West agreed to give Uncle Dennis a Southern California home and a travel expense account. Wilkes says after Kawhi ultimately agreed to sign with the Clippers in late July ... he went for a celebratory meal with West and others in Beverly Hills. 

Wilkes claims West agreed yet again at the dinner to fork over $2.5 million for all the help ... but Wilkes claims in the suit he still hasn't received a penny -- and he's suing West and the Clippers for breach of contract and more.

So far the Clippers have yet to comment on the news. 

Photo credit: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire

Alleged voicemail of Jerry West from Johnny Wilkes calling the Lakers a “sh*t show.” pic.twitter.com/SUG3n6v9rD

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 18, 2020