Steve Ballmer and Clippers Hit With $30M Fine in Kawhi Leonard Salary Cap Case
- On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the NBA cleared Kawhi Leonard to return to the Toronto Raptors, declining to suspend him or void his contract following an investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers.
- A pattern of misconduct involving a $28 million 'no-show' endorsement deal with Aspiration prompted the league to strip the Clippers of five first-round picks and fine the team $30 million.
- Leonard was ordered to pay $700,000 in restitution for circumvention violations, while Clippers owner Steve Ballmer was suspended for one year and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank for six months.
- Following the league's decision, the previously paused trade to Toronto can now proceed, sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, a 2027 pick swap, and two second-round selections to Los Angeles.
- Leonard joins a Toronto lineup featuring Barnes, RJ Barrett, Collin Murray-Boyles, Immanuel Quickley, Jamal Shead, and JaKobe Walter, bringing championship experience from his 2019 title run with the Raptors.
248 Articles
248 Articles
On Wednesday night, the basketball community was shocked by the news that the Los Angeles Clippers are facing one of the most severe penalties in NBA history. The reason – serious violations related to the salary of star Kawhi Leonard, who has been the emblematic face of the team for years The league leadership showed no mercy. The Clippers were stripped of five first-round draft picks for the period 2029-2033 – a blow that could change the futu…
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has imposed a fine of $30 million (EUR25.91 million) on the Los Angeles Clippers and a fine of $700,000 (EUR604,594) on their former superstar Kawhi Leonard.
NBA Suspends LA Clippers Owner Ballmer, Fines Team over Kawhi Leonard Case
Get latest articles and stories on Sports at LatestLY. The NBA has imposed the biggest punishment in its history on the Los Angeles Clippers and team owner Steve Ballmer after a year-long investigation found that the franchise circumvented salary cap rules to benefit star player Kawhi Leonard, according to the New York Times. Sports News | NBA Suspends LA Clippers Owner Ballmer, Fines Team over Kawhi Leonard Case.
“Worst Superstar in History”: Stephen A. Smith Accuses Kawhi Leonard of Blackmailing Clippers As NBA Ruling Comes Out
In the wake of the NBA handing down a landmark ruling against the LA Clippers and forward Kawhi Leonard for salary cap circumvention, Stephen A. Smith launched a scathing critique of the team and the 2x Finals MVP. Reacting to the league’s penalties, which included a $700,000 fine for Leonard, a $30 million fine for […]
NBA suspends LA Clippers owner Ballmer, fines team over Kawhi Leonard case - The Tribune
The NBA has imposed the biggest punishment in its history on the Los Angeles Clippers and team owner Steve Ballmer after a year-long investigation found that the franchise circumvented salary cap rules to benefit star player Kawhi Leonard, according to the New York Times.
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