Former NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway raised concerns over the Kawhi Leonard–Los Angeles Clippers scandal, cautioning that the ramifications could extend beyond just the player or team involved.

The Clippers find themselves in the midst of controversy following reports that they may have offered unauthorized perks and benefits to recruit Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP. It should be noted that allegations of this nature violate the league’s salary cap rules that were designed to maintain competitive balance across the league.

“Hey, if you can do it, you can do it. If you get away with it, you get away with it. But I tell you this—where there’s smoke, there’s fire. If the NBA thinks that you are wrong about doing stuff like that, they’re gonna get you,” Hardaway said via the Action Network.

Further, the 14th overall pick of the 1989 Draft compared the situation to a near-scandal in 1996 involving Miami Heat president Pat Riley, who narrowly avoided a year-long suspension after contract negotiations triggered league scrutiny.

“They were talking about suspending him for the whole year,” Hardaway recalled. “You try to get away with what you try to get away with, and let’s see where the dominoes may fall and see if you get caught,” Hardaway added.

Consequences for players, teams, and the league

Violations like these could have wide-ranging effects:

• Players: risk having achievements overshadowed and marketability diminished.

• Teams: face fines, suspensions, or potential loss of draft picks.

• NBA: repeated breaches could undermine the system, eroding fan, sponsor, and broadcaster trust.

Hardaway stressed that his concern is not about players earning money, but about respecting the rules.

“I’m all about somebody getting their money,” Tim said. “I’m happy about you getting your money. Just don’t get caught.”

The warning underscores what’s at stake: if the allegations against the Clippers are verified, the NBA could face one of its most significant tests of credibility in years, threatening not just a franchise or superstar, but the global trust that underpins the league’s brand.