NBA penalizes Clippers and team officials following investigation into Kawhi Leonard deal

The NBA concluded a year-long investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers, finding the organization guilty of violating salary-cap circumvention rules regarding an endorsement deal for Kawhi Leonard. The league issued a $30 million fine to the team and docked five first-round draft picks. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer received a one-year suspension from all league and team activities. Additionally, president of business operations Gillian Zucker was suspended for one year, and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank for six months. Kawhi Leonard was personally assessed a $700,000 penalty. The investigation into the Aspiration endorsement contract follows criticism of earlier reports from ESPN, which suggested there was no evidence of salary-cap circumvention. With the investigation closed and the contract remaining intact, a pending trade between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors is expected to proceed.

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