NBA Notes: Clippers, Kawhi Leonard, Lakers, Austin Reaves, Blazers

Clippers

The NBA’s lengthy investigation into the Clippers may finally be approaching the finish line.

According to ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, Clippers star Kawhi Leonard and his uncle and longtime adviser Dennis Robertson have both been interviewed as part of the league’s probe into allegations that the organization circumvented salary-cap rules during Leonard’s 2019 free agency.

The investigation stems from reports alleging Leonard received benefits through an endorsement arrangement involving the now-defunct company Aspiration.

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and other team officials have also reportedly been interviewed.

While the Clippers continue to deny any wrongdoing, Holmes reported that some members of the organization have grown frustrated with what they view as having to prove their innocence in a case they insist lacks merit.

Commissioner Adam Silver recently indicated the investigation is nearing completion, though he stopped short of providing a timetable for a final ruling.

Lakers

Austin Reaves may be one of the biggest winners of the upcoming offseason.

According to Los Angeles Times reporter Broderick Turner, the Lakers guard is expected to decline his player option and enter free agency looking for a contract that reflects his growing value.

“Based on what I understand, what I keep hearing, Austin wants the max,” Turner said.

Whether Reaves ultimately reaches that number remains to be seen, but there is little debate that he is due for a significant raise.

The 28-year-old averaged a career-high 23.3 points this season while continuing to establish himself as one of the Lakers’ most important offensive players.

The biggest question may not be how much Reaves gets paid. It may be whether another team is willing to push the Lakers into a bidding war.

Trail Blazers

After years of injury setbacks, Robert Williams finally stayed on the floor.

That could make him one of Portland’s most important offseason decisions.

Williams appeared in 59 games this season, his highest total in four years, and provided the type of rim protection and interior defense that has long made him valuable when healthy.

The veteran center averaged 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks while shooting better than 70 percent from the field.

According to Spotrac’s Keith Smith, Williams may have played well enough to earn a new deal worth roughly $18 million per season.

The challenge for Portland is balancing that production against Williams’ injury history.

Several teams are expected to be searching for center help this summer, potentially creating a competitive market.

For the first time in a while, that may be a good problem for Williams to have.