# SCANDAL: Why the New Orleans Pelicans MUST Worry About Kawhi Leonard, Steve Ballmer and Salary Cap

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pelicans-daily-podcast-on-the-new-orleans-pelicans-635622/scandal-why-the-new-orleans-pelicans-must-worry-about-kawhi-leonard-steve-ballmer-and-salary-cap
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pelicans-daily-podcast-on-the-new-orleans-pelicans-635622/scandal-why-the-new-orleans-pelicans-must-worry-about-kawhi-leonard-steve-ballmer-and-salary-cap.md
Podcast: [Locked On Pelicans - Daily Podcast On The New Orleans Pelicans](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pelicans-daily-podcast-on-the-new-orleans-pelicans-635622)
Published: 2026-08-20T05:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-pelicans/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/ab893c/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/e668a801-b076-4c42-a18b-514196891965/episodes/6cf7d252-6ec3-4891-b8da-d65e35f27184/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=e668a801-b076-4c42-a18b-514196891965&awEpisodeId=6cf7d252-6ec3-4891-b8da-d65e35f27184&feed=dWDcvyl9
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Duration seconds: 1620

## Resource

Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers contract controversy could tip the NBA’s balance of power—should New Orleans Pelicans fans be worried? Host Jake Madison breaks down how Steve Ballmer’s alleged salary cap circumvention scheme isn’t just a Los Angeles story, but a threat to competitive balance across the league. If owners can funnel money to star players outside the CBA, do mid- and small-market teams like the Pelicans stand a chance? Madison spotlights the risk of owners using shell companies and sponsorship deals to skirt salary restrictions, highlighting the recent Aspiration endorsement that put $28 million in Kawhi Leonard’s pocket. He explains why this practice could erase advantages like Bird Rights for players such as Trey Murphy, and examines how these off-book moves undermine luxury tax systems and team building. Should Pelicans fans root for stricter league enforcement—or envy Ballmer’s relentless spending? The future of fair play in the NBA is on the line. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-pelicans/ Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba #NewOrleansPelicans #ZionWilliamson #NBA #pelicans Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Cozy Earth Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDON for an exclusive 20%. Wayfair Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily…

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