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Gilbert Arenas explains how under-the-table payments are very normal in the NBA: "Everybody is doing it"
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- Gilbert Arenas explains how under-the-table payments are very normal in the NBA: "Everybody is doing it"
In the past, the side business and maneuvers that the NBA players and their teams did were not highlighted and left in the media space for everybody to see. Mainly because we weren't in on the action every step of the way as we are today, due to the presence of digital media. Because of that, almost nothing can flow under the radar, like the recent headlines regarding Kawhi Leonard's "no-show job" with the Los Angeles Clippers , which have drawn a lot of scrutiny towards the league.
What many fans are seeing as unacceptable and downright blasphemous, isn't looked at the same from the players' side, who have always been familiar with these themes. A former NBA player and All-Star, Gilbert Arenas, recently talked about how teams and players' under-the-table business is not new.
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"If I secretly wanna pay you under the table, I'm a do it. Do we wanna look at how the Greek [Freak] is staying over there and how his brother getting payed. C'mon, we fundeling money somehow, everybody's doing it. Cus, Milwaukee ain't got no money to keep Greek over there, but Greek is stayin' over there happy and smillin'. I guarantee you if they start looking into his portfolio, he got buildings that he didn't pay for. It be goin' on for years man. This is business," Arenas said on his podcast.
"All them boys that's over in Golden State. I'm pretty sure they got a lot of investments that they asses didn't know about. They Door Dash, they put they money into real things. They say, 'Look, I can't pay you because of this salary cap, but look, my boy is starting up a company. Put some money in, and boom, you're going to blow,'" he added.
Why and how teams do it
The issues regarding the salary cap limitations make it hard for teams to pay their superstar players what they believe they deserve. So, in order to retain them and keep them happy, organizations find legal gray areas in the collective bargaining agreement, leading to situations that are happening right now, like with the Leonard-Clippers saga and the latest signing of Giannis Antetokounmpo 's brother, Alex Antetokounmpo to the Milwaukee Bucks .
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With different brand partnerships, sponsorships, equity stakes, family start-ups, etc., a way can be found to maneuver around the red zone. One of the best examples is LeBron James ' Klutch Sports agency, which leads its players to sign with specific teams through James's connections and influence. The prime example that comes to mind is the Los Angeles Lakers ' trade for Anthony Davis in 2019, who was signed to Klutch.
Another one is Stephen Curry 's and Under Armour's created ecosystem that brought indirect benefits to the Golden State Warriors . Because of the partnership, Under Armour's presence in the Bay Area strengthened ties between Curry and the franchise, through large endorsement deals that alleviate pressure on the organization, as well as the image and impact that the brand brings through Curry, ultimately leading to the success of the organization.
No one can afford to lose a generational star, so the teams will do anything to make them stay.
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Along the blurred lines
As Arenas implied, those kinds of situations are considered normal and business as usual. He's not exposing the league; rather, normalizing something that appeared on the surface. While the NBA can't sweep these things under the rug, Arenas is helping them to shift the perspective on what is considered normal.
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The players have all the power in the league now; everybody knows that. So, these things shouldn't appear as surprising anymore. The players realised that they can do what they want and they for sure are maximizing their influence and it's only going to get more hectic from here.
Related: Gilbert Arenas thinks the Milwaukee Bucks can reach the ECF: "I wouldn't be surprised"
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
