Text messages between late Los Angeles Clippers consultant Jerry West and middleman Johnny Wilkes reveal extensive back-channel communications during the team’s 2019 pursuit of Kawhi Leonard, according to court documents obtained by The Washington Post. The reports indicate that West coordinated with Wilkes, who had connections to Leonard’s uncle Dennis Robertson, in the days leading up to Leonard’s free agency decision.
Wilkes told West that his services in pushing Leonard to the Clippers would cost $2.5 million in a phone call days before the team’s pitch meeting, according to his statement. West denied agreeing to the payment in his own statement.
West texted Wilkes hours before the Clippers’ meeting with Leonard in July 2019 to express his gratitude. The messages provide insight into the informal negotiations that preceded Leonard’s decision.
“I just wanted to thank you for your help,” West wrote, according to messages viewed by The Post.
Wilkes responded with advice for the pitch meeting: “Please tell everyone to pitch life after basketball to Kawhi. That’s what he really wants to hear.”
West criticized the Lakers’ pitch to Leonard in messages with Wilkes and suggested Leonard play second fiddle to LeBron James in Los Angeles.
“If he went to the Lakers, he would be LeBron’s caddie,” West wrote.
“F— the Lakers,” Wilkes replied. “This is between you and Toronto.”
West contacted Wilkes several times after the first meeting. On July 4, West asked about Leonard’s timeline, noting that he did not want to pressure Robertson.
“When can we expect a decision,” West asked. “I don’t want to be a pest and honestly don’t want to bother Dennis anymore. If you hear anything please let me know. Thanks for all your help.”
West provided updates to owner Steve Ballmer throughout the process. Two days after that trade, Leonard signed a three-year, $103.14 million contract with the Clippers.
The allegations led to an NBA investigation that found the Clippers had not violated the league’s tampering rules. Wilkes said in his statement that he informed Robertson of his payment proposal and offered him a discount.
Wilkes later sued the Clippers, claiming they owed him money for his help. A judge dismissed the case, ruling that Wilkes never entered into a contract with the team.
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