Kawhi Leonard, the two-time NBA Finals MVP, has always spoken through his play on the court. However, in this offseason, a comment from Hong Kong, thousands of miles away, has got everyone speculating about what exactly Leonard is into at the moment.
When visiting Hong Kong and China, Kawhi shared something that had nothing to do with basketball.
“We’ve been working on some music out here as well. So, you know, stay tuned,” Leonard said in a clip that quickly circulated online. “We and Top Barry, got something dropping.”
Leonard made his comment while working with an artist known as Top Barry, although he did not mention a release date or any songs from that collaboration.
The statements from Leonard about his music were made just days after the NBA came out against a story on the investigation by ESPN. The NBA spokesman, Mike Bass, was quoted on the matter.
“ESPN’s article regarding the LA Clippers investigation, for which the NBA declined to cooperate, contains numerous and significant inaccuracies,” Bass said in a statement released Monday afternoon. “The results in this matter will be made clear once the investigation is concluded.”
Bass did not specify which portions of ESPN’s report were inaccurate. This ambiguity fueled speculation about the investigation’s status after 11 months. It is because of this reason that people found it quite odd when Leonard posted music-related news.
The inquiry revolves around a alleged $28 million endorsement deal that was made between Leonard and Aspiration, a company involved in green banking that is now bankrupt but was once partially owned by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. The co-founder of Aspiration eventually pled guilty to fraud amounting to $248 million.
The Clippers have consistently denied wrongdoing, stating the organization simply introduced Leonard to business partners without dictating contract terms. Ballmer has denied the allegations as well, and the Raptors have said they will wait for the investigation’s conclusion before finalizing anything.
However, Leonard’s interest in music is not completely new either. He starred in Drake’s music video in 2021 named “Way 2 Sexy” as part of Drake’s cameo parody of boy bands with Future and Young Thug. Also, Leonard has been known to executive produce the Culture Jam project involving Lil Uzi Vert and Rod Wave.
But on the basketball court, Leonard continues to be one of the most productive veterans in the league while he is healthy. Last season, Leonard averaged a career-high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 65 games.
Commissioner Adam Silver said he hopes the investigation concludes before summer ends, with training camps set for September 29. For now, Leonard is officially a member of the Clippers, but his music career is progressing faster than his NBA one.