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.
382 Articles
382 Articles
Clippers fined $30 million as owner Steve Ballmer is suspended for a year following NBA investigation on behind-the-curtain deal
A near-year-long investigation has amounted to a heavy blow to the LA franchise and its owner for an alleged circumvention of league rules.
Former Ticketmaster CEO Nathan Hubbard Gets Roasted For Claiming Clippers Punishment Was Unfair
While the overwhelming majority of NBA fans seem to support the league’s decision to bring the hammer down on the Los Angeles Clippers and Steve Ballmer for circumventing the salary cap to sign superstar Kawhi Leonard, not everyone agrees. Notably, former Ticketmaster CEO Nathaniel Hubbard believes NBA commissioner Adam Silver badly missed the mark with his punishment. Hubbard, who served as the event-ticketing […]
Hastings Tribune
Los Angeles TimesNBA hammers Clippers, Steve Ballmer and Kawhi Leonard following investigation
LOS ANGELES — The NBA handed down sweeping penalties to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, team executives, the team and Kawhi Leonard following an investigation into allegations the group circumvented the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.
NBA owner suddenly banned from league – The Horn News
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer was suspended for one year by the NBA, and the team was ordered to forfeit five first-round draft picks and pay a $30 million fine Wednesday for violating salary cap circumvention rules in a case involving Kawhi Leonard. Also, president of basketball operations Lawrence... Read More The post NBA owner suddenly banned from league appeared first on The Horn News - Proudly American, Fiercely Independent.
Clippers punished for violating cap rules
The Los Angeles Clippers will forfeit five first-round draft picks and pay a $30 million fine for violating salary cap circumvention rules involving Kawhi Leonard, the NBA said Wednesday while also suspending team owner Steve Ballmer.
NEW YORK The NBA has fined the Los Angeles Clippers $30 million and stripped them of five first-round draft picks for violating salary cap rules in the case of star Kawhi Leonard, who also must […] The post NBA League Severely Fines Clippers for Violating Salary Cap Bypass Rules first appeared on Novi list.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
