NBA Hits Los Angeles Clippers With Biggest-Ever Punishment Over Kawhi Leonard Salary-Cap Violations
Los Angeles: The NBA has imposed the biggest punishment in its history on the Los Angeles Clippers and team owner Steve Ballmer after a year-long investigation found that the franchise circumvented salary cap rules to benefit star player Kawhi Leonard, according to The New York Times. As part of the punishment, the Clippers will forfeit five first-round draft picks from 2029 through 2033 and have…
The NBA has levied the largest penalty in its history against the Los Angeles Clippers and team owner Steve Ballmer following a year-long investigation. The league found that the franchise had circumvented salary cap rules to benefit star player Kawhi Leonard. As part of the punishment, the Clippers will forfeit five first-round draft picks from 2029 to 2033 and will face a fine of $30 million.
Additionally, Ballmer has been suspended for one year for knowingly attempting to aid Leonard in securing off-court business opportunities. The Clippers have vehemently rejected the NBA's findings, calling it a "witch hunt" and claiming they will fight the punishment. The investigation, initially focused on a violation of salary cap rules through Leonard's endorsement deal with Aspiration, later expanded to include potential agreements to channel money to Leonard through the company.
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