The NBA is disputing reporting by ESPN that detailed findings of the league’s investigation into possible salary-cap circumvention by the LA Clippers and subsequent settlement negotiations.

“ESPN’s article regarding the LA Clippers investigation — for which the NBA declined to cooperate — contains numerous and significant inaccuracies,” the league statement read. “The results in this matter will be made clear once the investigation is concluded.”

ESPN reported Monday that the NBA found no evidence that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer directly funneled money to Kawhi Leonard via team sponsors and that the two sides had been “negotiating a resolution to the investigation.” It’s unclear what elements of ESPN’s reporting the NBA is disputing.

The Athletic has reached out to the league office for additional comment and the National Basketball Players Association, and will update this story if they respond.

The Clippers released a statement that read in part, “the Clippers did not funnel money to Kawhi Leonard, arrange for others to compensate him on our behalf, or otherwise provide him with undisclosed compensation outside of his NBA contract.”

The NBA’s investigation began as an inquiry into whether the Clippers had circumvented the salary cap through a $28 million endorsement deal Kawhi Leonard signed with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt environmental company for which Leonard did no public marketing work. The investigation has also since examined whether Leonard had another previously unknown endorsement deal with another company, and if the Clippers improperly covered expenses for their star and were not reimbursed for them, according to multiple sources who spoke to The Athletic on the condition of anonymity in order to speak freely.

Earlier this month, the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast reported Leonard also had a sponsorship contract with Daktronics, which manufactured the Intuit Dome’s large video screen.

This story will be updated.

Leeds United have granted striker Joel Piroe permission to undergo a medical at West Ham United.

The Championship side are closing in on signing the 27-year-old on loan with an obligation to buy. Piroe was viewed as a top transfer target by head coach Nuno Espirito Santo and the recruitment team. His track record in the second tier was also a key factor.

In the 2023-24 and 2024-25 Championship seasons, the forward scored 41 goals in 88 league appearances. Last campaign, however, he had a return of one just goal across 21 appearances following Leeds’ return to the top-flight.

The Athletic reported on Saturday of Piroe’s intention to leave Elland Road before the closure of the window on September 1. Leeds had initially set an asking price of £16million to suitors but no club met their valuation.

The striker’s contract at Elland Road ends in June 2027, though Leeds have the option to extend it by an extra 12 months

Piroe’s impending arrival at the London Stadium is a welcome boost for Nuno following West Ham’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Burnley in their season opener. Their forward options are threadbare and striker Pablo was substituted at half-time due to sustaining a calf injury. He is a doubt for this weekend’s home game against London rivals Charlton Athletic.

Piroe would become West Ham’s fourth summer signing after the additions of Joel Veltman, Manor Solomon and Arne Engels.