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Clippers face penalties after Kawhi Leonard cap circumvention scandal

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 10:30 PM

Last updated Sep 18, 2026

Clippers face penalties after Kawhi Leonard cap circumvention scandal

Summary

The Los Angeles Clippers received one of the largest penalties in NBA history due to a cap circumvention scandal involving Kawhi Leonard. After extensive reporting by Pablo Torre, the NBA revealed that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer provided off-the-books endorsement deals to Leonard, leading to a $30 million fine and the forfeiture of five future first-round draft picks. The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the state of sports journalism, with criticism aimed at the industry's diminishing investigative efforts. Leonard has recently been traded to the Toronto Raptors, concluding his seven-year tenure with the Clippers.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Clippers fined $30 million and forfeiting five future first-round picks.
•Pablo Torre's reporting was pivotal in uncovering the scandal.
•Steve Ballmer circumvented the salary cap with off-the-books deals.
•Analysts highlight the decline of investigative sports journalism.
•Kawhi Leonard traded to the Raptors after seven seasons with the Clippers.

Latest Updates

10:30 PMYahoo Sports — ‘The Media Is Broken,’ ‘Shell of Itself’ — Analyst Laments State of Sports Journalism After Kawhi Leonard-Clippers Scandal

What they're saying

"
Following months of speculation and reporting, the Kawhi Leonard cap circumvention saga is finally in the books, with the Los Angeles Clippers receiving one of the biggest punishments handed out in NBA history. Journalist Pablo Torre received widespread praise and recognition for his reporting and investigation into the story.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Los Angeles Clippers Toronto Raptors NBA Basketball