When Kawhi Leonard asked to be traded from the San Antonio Spurs, it was perplexing. This was a team that had played a crucial role in his rise to stardom, essentially handing him the franchise’s future.
Questioning their medical staff, known for its excellent reputation over many years, seemed unreasonable. The idea that their relationship had deteriorated to the point of no return felt excessive. However, fans were quick to recognize the nonsense being presented to them. Kawhi’s move was motivated by one thing: his desire to join the LA Clippers. But that raises another question: why would anyone strive so hard to align with such a dysfunctional franchise? The answer might lie in a lawsuit filed against the Clippers by former trainer Randy Shelton, who claims he was wrongfully terminated.
Former Los Angeles Clippers trainer Randy Shelton is suing the franchise for wrongful termination, among other things, after he claims he was fired after complaining that Kawhi Leonard was being subjected to unsafe and illegal treatment for injuries. pic.twitter.com/qv1vOwhO7l
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 24, 2024
Shelton intends to take the Clippers to court for damages, which typically wouldn’t concern San Antonio. However, he claims his time with the Clippers was part of a long-term effort to persuade Kawhi Leonard to join them in LA. Having been with Leonard at San Diego State University, they share a personal connection. As the situation with the Spurs and Leonard’s injury played out in the spotlight, the Clippers reportedly devised a strategy to secure him. Assistant GM Mark Hughes began asking Shelton about Leonard’s health and what it would take to trade for him. NBA tampering rules explicitly state that no team can try to lure a player who is under contract with another team, either directly or indirectly.
Allegedly, the Clippers exceeded acceptable boundaries, with Shelton claiming he had at least 15 meetings and multiple phone calls with Hughes, who sought detailed information, including Leonard’s contract terms. During Leonard’s time in Toronto, Clippers personnel reportedly attended 75% of his games. If true, this suggests they were hardly trying to keep a low profile, despite Hughes’s initial requests for discretion. This provides validation for Spurs fans who believed the criticisms of the organization were baseless from the start, suggesting it was merely a tactic for Leonard to reach his preferred destination… or so the allegations go. It’s crucial to note that there has been no evidence of wrongdoing, and the Clippers are denying these claims. This article simply aims to inform the public without making any definitive assertions.
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