Did Steve Balmer pay Kawhi Leonard under the table?

Discussion in 'Portland Trail Blazers' started by blazerfan11, Sep 3, 2025.

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  1. Cugel

    Cugel The epitome of mediocrity

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    I just don't think Silver will do anything. maybe a "questions remain around integrity but no smoking guns..." No way billionaires are ever going to take a hit. nfw.
     
    Cugel, Sep 18, 2025 at 3:14 PM
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  2. Wizard Mentor

    Wizard Mentor Wizard Mentor

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    My spicy hot take:
    This is way, way, way worse than what Sterling did, and he was forced to sell the team.
     
    Wizard Mentor, Sep 18, 2025 at 3:24 PM
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  3. blazerkor

    blazerkor Well-Known Member

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    This take goes against precedent. There is only one example of this very thing (salary cap evading) in the modern NBA, Joe Smith and the Timberwolves. The league took 5 FRPs from them, fined the team several million dollars and suspended both the owner and the GM for a year. This Kawhi situation is easily worse than the Joe Smith violation.
     
    blazerkor, Sep 18, 2025 at 3:33 PM
    #223
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  4. SlyPokerDog

    SlyPokerDog Woof! Staff Member Administrator

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    I agree.
     
    SlyPokerDog, Sep 18, 2025 at 3:34 PM
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  5. SlyPokerDog

    SlyPokerDog Woof! Staff Member Administrator

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    IMO, it's very suspicious how Mark Cuban is trying to explain this away and give Ballmer a pass. Makes me think this is more commonplace in the NBA than fans realize. And it sucks, because I like Mark Cuban as an owner/former owner. I felt he was good for the NBA and the fans.
     
    SlyPokerDog, Sep 18, 2025 at 3:37 PM
    #225
  6. Hoopguru

    Hoopguru Well-Known Member

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    Not to mention Stern basically blacked balled Portland for (alleged cap circumvent) with Dudleys deal and Sportsaction. In gaining an All Star Game.
     
    Hoopguru, Sep 18, 2025 at 3:42 PM
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  7. SlyPokerDog

    SlyPokerDog Woof! Staff Member Administrator

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    I'd rather have another Tournament of the Americas instead of an ASG.
     
    SlyPokerDog, Sep 18, 2025 at 3:50 PM
    #227
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  8. crandc

    crandc Well-Known Member

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    How about moving ASG?
     
    crandc, Sep 18, 2025 at 4:29 PM
    #228
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  9. BBert

    BBert Weasels Ripped My Flesh

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    Weak
     
    BBert, Sep 18, 2025 at 4:30 PM
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