NBA fines Kawhi Leonard as Clippers face sanctions for salary cap violations

The NBA concluded a yearlong investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers, issuing penalties for salary cap circumvention related to the signing of Kawhi Leonard. The league stripped the franchise of five first-round draft picks and fined team owner Steve Ballmer $30 million. Additionally, the league suspended team executives Lawrence Frank and Gillian Zucker. Kawhi Leonard is required to pay $700,000 in restitution but will not face a suspension, and the team will not have its contract with the player voided. The investigation into improper benefits provided to Dennis Robertson, Leonard’s former representative, resulted in a league-wide ban for Robertson. Following the resolution of these sanctions, the stalled trade sending Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and multiple draft assets is expected to proceed.

• 8:48 PMYahoo Sports — Will the Kawhi Leonard Clippers-Raptors trade go ahead with NBA investigation ending?
• 8:44 PMYahoo Sports — Will Kawhi Leonard be suspended by the NBA in Clippers punishment?