The NBA hit the Los Angeles Clippers with a $30 million fine and penalized Kawhi Leonard $700,000 following a year-long investigation into salary cap rules.
Per NBA: The Clippers shall forfeit five first-round draft picks, one in each of the 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, and 2033 NBA Drafts.
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is suspended from all league and team activities for one year for knowingly seeking to help Mr. Leonard obtain off-court… https://t.co/OhqXDEBirj
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 2, 2026
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and Clippers President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker are suspended for 1 year.
Clippers GM Lawrence Frank will serve a 6-month suspension.
The league found a pattern of misconduct in which Leonard used endorsement deals to earn money above the salary cap.
The probe started over a $28 million deal between Leonard and a financial firm, and the massive fallout ultimately cost the franchise 5 first-round draft picks from 2029 to 2033.
The Clippers publicly rejected the findings, saying the league’s investigation was biased and unjust.
Adam Silver said the severe penalties reflect the absolute seriousness of the misconduct.
The team maintains its actions were completely legal and plans to vigorously challenge the ruling in arbitration.
And the ruling might clear the way for Kawhi Leonard to officially rejoin the Toronto Raptors














