{
  "id": 5350882,
  "title": "6 winners, 5 losers from Kawhi Leonard scandal after Clippers get hit with NBA ‘death penalty’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/6-winners-5-losers-from-kawhi-leonard-scandal-after-clippers-get-hit",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-03T14:56:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SB Nation",
    "slug": "sb-nation",
    "url": "https://www.sbnation.com/nba/1127027/clippers-scandal-winners-losers-kawhi-leonard-steve-ballmer-lakers"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Los Angeles Clippers faced severe consequences from the NBA following a one-year investigation into allegations involving star player Kawhi Leonard and team owner Steve Ballmer. The league docked the Clippers five future first-round draft picks, significantly impacting their future prospects.\n\nHead coach Steve Ballmer was also suspended as part of the punishment. This devastating penalty could ruin the Clippers for the next decade, making it a heavy blow for the franchise.\n\nDespite the hefty fine, Kawhi Leonard only had to pay back $700,000 in restitution for improper benefits. The NBA's decision to take action against the team for circumventing the salary cap has sent a strong message to other franchises about the consequences of breaking the rules.\n\nThe investigation was led by journalist Pablo Torre, who exposed the scandal through his independent reporting. Torre's work has had a significant impact on the league, setting a precedent for holding power accountable and ensuring transparency in professional sports.\n\nThe NBA's commissioner, Adam Silver, faced a difficult decision in this case. Despite Ballmer's contributions to the league, Silver acknowledged the evidence and decided to enforce the rules, ensuring competitive balance across all teams. This decision has strengthened the NBA's reputation for integrity.\n\nThe Clippers' fans and players are undoubtedly the biggest losers in this scandal. Their reputation has taken a hit, and the team's future looks uncertain after this major setback.",
  "summary": "The Los Angeles Clippers circumvented the salary cap to sign Kawhi Leonard, and they were caught red-handed. The NBA dropped the hammer on the Clippers on Wednesday after a one-year investigation into the allegations first uncovered by journalist Pablo Torre. The NBA decided to dock the Clippers five future first-round draft picks while suspending governor […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "The Clippers, Kawhi Leonard and the most damaging swing-and-a-miss in NBA history",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/the-clippers-kawhi-leonard-and-the-most-damaging-swing-and-a-miss-in",
        "published": "2026-09-03T01:41:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}