Clippers, Leonard penalized by NBA for alleged violation of salary cap rules

The NBA handed out severe punishments to the Los Angeles Clippers and superstar Kawhi Leonard on Wednesday for allegedly circumventing the league’s salary cap rules, closing a year-long saga and investigation into an off-the-court sponsorship deal.

LA will forfeit five future first-round draft picks from 2029 to 2033. The franchise already does not have draft picks in 2027 and 2028 due to prior trades.

In addition, owner Steve Ballmer will be suspended from all league and team activities for one year, and the franchise was fined $30 million.

Leonard himself must pay the league $700,000. He was traded to the Toronto Raptors earlier this summer, but the transaction was placed on hold as the investigation ensued.

In a statement, Leonard said he accepts “full responsibility for lapses in judgement” by people in his inner circle.

“For 15 years, my priority has been giving everything to my family, the game, and those I share the court with,” he said. “As I return to Toronto, I am focused on what I can control, closing this chapter, and moving forward with a clean slate.” 

The league said Ballmer knowingly sought to help Leonard “obtain off-court income opportunities” in order to circumvent the league’s salary cap rules.

According to the NBA, the penalties came after an independent investigation conducted by the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.