NBA penalizes Clippers for salary cap violations involving Kawhi Leonard

The NBA issued major penalties against the Los Angeles Clippers following an investigation into compensation provided to Kawhi Leonard. The league determined the team circumvented salary cap rules by using third-party entities to funnel endorsement money to the player. As a result, the team must forfeit five first-round draft picks spanning 2029 through 2033. Owner Steve Ballmer received a $30 million fine and a one-year suspension from all league and team activities., the league permanently barred Dennis Robertson, a business representative for Leonard, from participating in any future negotiations. This disciplinary action follows years of roster moves that included trading numerous high-value assets to acquire Leonard and Paul George, a strategy that yielded limited postseason success.

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