NBA fines Kawhi Leonard for Clippers salary cap circumvention involvement

The NBA issued a $700,000 fine to Kawhi Leonard following an investigation into salary cap circumvention by the Clippers. While the franchise received a penalty of $30 million and the forfeiture of five first-round draft picks, the league opted for a lighter punishment for Leonard to secure a settlement. Investigative journalist Pablo Torre reported that the decision aimed to avoid arbitration proceedings, which the NBPA and Leonard agreed to waive by settling. This move prevents Clippers owner Steve Ballmer from challenging the penalties through standard league arbitration channels. Former associate Dennis Robertson also faces a permanent ban from contact with NBA teams. Leonard has since transitioned to a role with the Toronto organization, while the league continues to enforce sanctions against the Clippers for their role in the secret endorsement deal scheme.

• 2:42 AMYahoo Sports — The Real Reason Why Kawhi Leonard Got Off Easy In Cap Circumvention Scandal