Clippers Are Still “Very Upset” About NBA Penalties, Resent Kawhi Leonard For Getting Off Easy

Nearly a week after the NBA announced penalties against the Clippers for cap circumvention, the team is still expressing frustration and maintaining their innocence. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, many within the organization remain adamant that they are innocent of any wrongdoing. The Clippers have been stripped of five first-round picks, fined $30 million, and suspended several executives, including owner Steve Ballmer.

While the team has initially remained quiet, the anger from within the franchise is widely reported. Fischer notes that the Clippers are upset and believe they are victims of the investigation, shifting blame onto Aspiration co-founder Joseph Stranberg, who was convicted of fraud. However, this excuse does not account for shady dealings with Daktronics and Boingo, which also involved Leonard.

The biggest grievance among the Clippers is that Kawhi Leonard received a relatively light penalty—a $700 fine—for his involvement. Fisher adds that Leonard is working with the players' union and the NBA to come up with a settlement that will allow him to join Toronto. The Clippers' actions to support Leonard resulted in a significant blow to the franchise, as they have struggled to remain relevant since losing the key players.

The Clippers are expected to move forward with the Kawhi Leonard trade, although the deal is currently on hold as they search for a new front office to replace the suspended executives. Despite the setback, the team remains focused on handling the situation and does not appear to be considering litigation from Ballmer at this time.

For Leonard, his relationship with the Clippers has been tarnished, but he is likely focused on starting fresh in Toronto.