Videos by According2HipHop
The NBA has reportedly handed down major penalties against the Los Angeles Clippers following a yearlong investigation into alleged salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard.
According to ESPN sources, the league stripped the Clippers of five first-round draft picks and fined owner Steve Ballmer $30 million. Ballmer, team president Lawrence Frank and executive Gillian Zucker were also reportedly suspended as part of the NBA’s ruling.
Leonard will reportedly be required to pay $700,000 in restitution related to improper benefits allegedly provided by the Clippers to his uncle and former business representative, Dennis Robertson. Leonard’s contract will not be voided, and he will not face a suspension.
Robertson, who was reportedly fired by Leonard in June, has also been banned by the NBA from participating in future business dealings with the league.
The penalties would represent one of the most significant punishments issued to an NBA franchise for salary cap violations.
BREAKING: The NBA has ruled on the Los Angeles Clippers in for salary cap circumvention investigations on Kawhi Leonard after yearlong probe — stripping the franchise of 5 first-round picks, issuing a $30 million fine to owner Steve Ballmer and suspensions for Ballmer, Lawrence… pic.twitter.com/JCV5bI88BE
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 2, 2026
