NBA penalizes LA Clippers and Kawhi Leonard following investigation
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 9:32 PM
Last updated Sep 2, 2026

The NBA concluded an investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, resulting in significant penalties for the team and former player Kawhi Leonard. The organization must pay a $30 million fine and forfeit first-round draft picks in 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, and 2033. Additionally, the league issued a $700,000 fine to Kawhi Leonard. The investigation involved front office executives Steve Ballmer, Gillian Zucker, and Lawrence Frank, who also face suspensions. These sanctions stem from an inquiry into the team's actions regarding Kawhi Leonard's recruitment and tenure. The penalties arrive after Kawhi Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors. The loss of future draft capital leaves the team with limited resources for rebuilding in the coming seasons.
- •The LA Clippers will surrender five first-round draft picks from 2029 through 2033.
- •The league issued a $30 million fine to the organization.
- •Kawhi Leonard received a $700,000 fine from the NBA.
- •Executives Steve Ballmer, Gillian Zucker, and Lawrence Frank face league-mandated suspensions.
- 9:32 PMYahoo Sports — 'Biggest punishment in NBA history'? Experts reacts to Clippers' Kawhi penalties
- 9:11 PMYahoo Sports — Social media reacts to Clippers' historic punishment: 10+ first-round picks for one WCF run
"The NBA issued a wave of punishments on the LA Clippers, Steve Ballmer and Kawhi Leonard. Here are instant reactions.
"Social media reacts to massive Clippers punishment for Aspiration, Kawhi Leonard scandal.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 9:32 PM'Biggest punishment in NBA history'? Experts reacts to Clippers' Kawhi penalties
The NBA issued a wave of punishments on the LA Clippers, Steve Ballmer and Kawhi Leonard. Here are instant reactions.
- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 9:11 PMSocial media reacts to Clippers' historic punishment: 10+ first-round picks for one WCF run
Social media reacts to massive Clippers punishment for Aspiration, Kawhi Leonard scandal.
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