The NBA imposed significant penalties on the Los Angeles Clippers and star player Kawhi Leonard on Wednesday, concluding a lengthy investigation into allegations related to a sponsorship agreement that allegedly violated the league’s salary cap regulations.
The Clippers will lose five future first-round draft picks, specifically from 2029 to 2033. This decision comes on the heels of previous trades that already cost the team their draft selections for 2027 and 2028.
Additionally, team owner Steve Ballmer has been banned from participating in any team or league activities for one year, and the organization has been fined $30 million.
Kawhi Leonard is required to pay a fine of $700,000 to the league. Earlier this summer, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors, although this deal has been paused pending the outcome of the investigation.
In his statement, Leonard acknowledged his “full responsibility for lapses in judgement” among those close to him. He emphasized his commitment over the past 15 years to prioritize his family, the game, and his teammates. As he prepares to return to Toronto, Leonard expressed his intention to focus on what he can influence, aiming to close this chapter and start anew.
The NBA indicated that Ballmer had intentionally sought to assist Leonard in securing off-court income, which was seen as an attempt to bypass the league’s salary cap limitations. The penalties were enacted following an independent investigation led by the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.
