Ballmer bought the Clippers in 2014 with bold, championship dreams. Leonard arrived amid a blockbuster era that included the George trade and a culture of secrecy, scrutiny and league probes that reshaped the franchise.

Even with 50-win seasons, injuries and sponsorship disputes hung over the team as it chased a title. For fantasy managers, Leonard's health, Beal and Harden fit, and cap maneuvers loom large this season.

NBA probes LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and Kawhi Leonard after reports that Aspiration paid Leonard 28M to sidestep the cap, tying Ballmer’s portfolio to a bankrupt fintech and a high-profile endorsement. The investigation also threads in Dennis Wong’s minor stake and Doc Rivers’ past ties to Aspiration, raising questions about sponsorships and cap compliance at the Intuit Dome. For fantasy managers, the case signals possible shifts in cap rules, sponsorship risk, and how off-court deals could influence rotations and earnings.

As Aspiration collapses into bankruptcy, the sport’s top owners and players face scrutiny that could reshape sponsorship strategies and leverage with teams. The developing narrative might affect Leonard’s endorsement exposure and Ballmer’s public-facing dealings, creating a landscape where fantasy projections must account for potential penalties, altered sponsorship terms, and the arena’s sustainability narrative going forward.

Amir Coffey is headed to Milwaukee on a training camp contract, a move that injects versatile depth for a Bucks club aiming to balance veteran presence with cost-effective upside. Coffey posted a career year with the Clippers, averaging 9.7 points and shooting 40.9% from three across about 24 minutes on a 50-win squad, yet the deal is training camp only and he’ll have to outplay rivals to land a standard contract. Milwaukee already has 15 players under contract, so Coffey’s path hinges on beating out Andre Jackson Jr. and Thanasis Antetokounmpo for the final roster spot, with a potential buyout angle shaping the calculus. The reunion narrative with Doc Rivers—Coffey’s first Clippers coach—adds a layer of familiarity that could help him adapt quickly to Milwaukee’s system. If he sticks, Coffey would bring depth at the three and a credible shooting threat that Milwaukee can deploy in varied lineups without sacrificing defense.

The Bucks’ depth situation looms large in this camp: can Coffey or Jackson claim the spot, and what happens if Milwaukee chooses to preserve cap flexibility at Jackson’s expense? The dynamic is underscored by the possibility of a buyout, which could tilt the balance toward Coffey as the more polished, versatile wing option. In short, Coffey’s NBA shelf life could pivot on a few hard-nosed camp performances, and Milwaukee’s willingness to cross the threshold from training camp to regular-season rotation.

Doc Rivers has solidified his place among the top coaches in NBA history, notably after leading the Boston Celtics to a championship in 2008. Although he initially expressed doubt about reaching the milestone of 1,000 wins, he achieved it in November 2021 while coaching the Philadelphia 76ers against the Chicago Bulls. Rivers humbly acknowledged that he wasn't tracking his wins, emphasizing his focus on team success over personal accolades. Rivers reached 1,156 career wins by April 2025, placing him seventh in all-time coaching victories.

Assessing his career, Rivers had notable stints with the Orlando Magic and the Celtics, where he garnered numerous regular-season and postseason victories. His coaching style diverges from that of his contemporaries, like Phil Jackson, which Rivers admits is a different approach. As Rivers continues his journey with the Milwaukee Bucks, he remains a contender to climb the coaching win leaderboard further in upcoming seasons.

Doc Rivers has taken the reins of the Milwaukee Bucks as their third head coach since their 2021 championship, succeeding Adrian Griffin after a brief interim period by Joe Prunty. Despite Rivers' championship pedigree, the Bucks have struggled to advance past the first round of the playoffs in recent years. General Manager Jon Horst remains confident in Rivers, praising his collaborative approach and leadership skills, stating the team has what it takes to win under his guidance. Rivers has signed a four-year, $40 million deal, committing to the franchise until the 2026-27 season.