Kawhi Leonard free to join Raptors as hammer falls on Clippers, owner Steve Ballmer
Forward escapes with $700,000 fine, while Clippers docked multiple 1st-round picks and $30 million with execs suspended
The NBA has imposed heavy sanctions on the Los Angeles Clippers in the Kawhi Leonard case. A months-long independent investigation found the team illegally circumvented the NBA salary cap through outside endorsement deals with Aspiration Partners, Boingo Wireless, Daktronics, and Lockton Insurance. The penalties include a $30 million fine for team owner Steve Ballmer, a year-long suspension of Clippers president Steve Ballmer, a $700,000 fine for Leonard, a five-year ban for Leonard's uncle and business manager Dennis Robertson, and the loss of five first-round draft picks over the next five years.
The investigation also led to a temporary halt in the Clippers' trade with Toronto, which was later finalized. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed deep disappointment with the violations, stating they reflect the seriousness of the misconduct.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
