This offseason wasn’t calm for the Clippers, nor was it for their franchise player, not by a mile, as we are all aware. Amid one of the strangest financial storylines the league’s seen in years, Kawhi Leonard has found himself answering questions about an alleged $48 million Aspiration deal, where sponsorship money and team investments blurred into one headline-grabbing mess. But to his credit, Leonard has constantly responded by being steady and showing little to no panic, now offering one very optimistic promise. 

The box score may not tell the full story, but after yet another first-round exit, Leonard didn’t retreat to the shadows. No mysterious hiatuses or even any cryptic social media breaks were included, for that matter. Instead, he kept training through June. “It was just making sure I was keeping my body strong and making sure I’ll be durable,” Leonard said. “I just didn’t wanna stop there. I wanted to keep going for another month or so, so I could train my body for a pounding.” You could call that typical Kawhi discipline, or quiet defiance.

Furthermore- during the Clippers media day, ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne, who had taken an exclusive interview with Ballmer just weeks back regarding the alleged circumvention-  asked about Leonard’s understanding of the contract, whether he performed any services for Aspiration, and how much money he actually received from the deal.

Pressing Leonard on allegations that the deal was a “no-show job” intended to circumvent NBA salary cap rules and questioned if Leonard and the Clippers had done anything wrong.

To which Leonard iterated, “The NBA is going to do their job. None of us did no wrongdoing. That’s it. We invite the investigation… It’s not going to be a distraction for me or my team.” And yet, distraction is exactly what it’s been for the league office.

The numbers, with $28 million in player payments, $32 million in Clippers carbon prepayments, all in the same week, have triggered an NBA review that could reshape the way team partnerships are handled. For context, though, this is the same player who’s built a career on patience.

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Since joining the Clippers in 2019, Leonard has appeared in just 58% of possible games, averaging 24.4 points per game when active. But when he’s on, he’s surgical with 51% from the field, elite defense, and unmatched pace in isolation.

He’s also under contract for two more seasons at roughly $50 million annually, which, well, is a number that looks as heavy as the expectations attached to it. The Clippers, remember, pushed every chip to the center of the table for Leonard and Paul George.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, five first-round picks, two swaps. Everything. It’s the kind of move that defines eras, for better or worse. The math is still complicated with a franchise trying to balance ambition with accountability. Still, Leonard’s tone this week felt different, almost reflective.

“I just wanted to test my body to see where it was,” he said of his extra training months. It’s not the quote of a man coasting into camp, but arguably of one preparing for judgment, both on-court and off. Because while the Aspiration controversy will take months to settle- reportedly after the 2026 All-Star break which is set to be hosted by the Clippers. So, his play remains the only thing he can truly control.

So, onto one very inevitable question now. Amid all the chaos that the Klaw has been this offseason, will Kawhi Leonard be playing in the Clippers’ preseason in 2025-26? 

Will Kawhi Leonard play in the Clippers’ preseason?

Short answer: he says yes. “Yeah. For sure. This is what training camp is for. To get in shape and get ready for the season. I think we are gonna be participating on Thursday.” Leonard stressed the importance of everyone being present for camp, unlike the patchwork participation that dogged last season.

Practically speaking, that matters as his on-court chemistry and the Clippers’ rotations all shift depending on how many minutes he can handle early in the year. Now, that’s also a subtle message to both teammates and critics.

The Clippers have a roster with experienced veterans and young players, and certain players are competing for the last roster spots. The team is gearing up for the preseason starting October 9, with Leonard and other stars like James Harden and Bradley Beal planning to participate, although some decisions on player availability may depend on health and performance considerations coming out of training camp.

The Clippers are entering a pivotal season with a relatively new arena, aging stars, an expensive payroll, and a shrinking window. Ballmer’s empire has never been short on vision, but this is the moment it either clicks or collapses.

Leonard’s decision to keep working through June signals an awareness of that urgency. You can feel the self-correction happening in real time, and well, about time, right? For the league, meanwhile, the Aspiration case is less about scandal and more about precedent.

Commissioner Adam Silver’s office is dissecting the intersection of player-brand partnerships and team finances. Penalties under Article XIII of the CBA include fines, draft pick loss, or even contract voiding. That’s high-stakes territory, but Leonard’s confidence suggests the Clippers believe they’ve done things by the book. There’s irony in all this.

For a player who barely speaks, Leonard now finds himself at the center of one of the NBA’s loudest stories. And yet, in true Kawhi fashion, the noise hasn’t changed his routine as he’s still somehow unbothered by narrative, still capable of flipping a game with a single mid-range pull-up. The Clippers need that version more than ever. 

Come Thursday, all eyes shift back to the floor. After months of whispers, paperwork, and speculation, Leonard’s next statement won’t come from a microphone. It’ll come from the court. And maybe that’s exactly how he wants it.