NBA penalizes LA Clippers for salary cap circumvention and front office violations

The NBA issued severe sanctions against the LA Clippers on September 3, 2026, following a lengthy investigation into salary cap circumvention. The organization must forfeit five first-round draft picks, while owner Steve Ballmer received a $30 million fine and a one-year suspension. President of Business Operations Gillian Rucker also faces a one-year suspension, and General Manager Lawrence Frank is suspended for six months. Kawhi Leonard, now with the Toronto Raptors, is required to pay $700,000 in restitution for receiving improper benefits. Additionally, Leonard’s former representative, Dennis Robertson, is permanently banned from NBA business dealings. These penalties leave the Clippers without key leadership as they prepare for the 2026-2027 season with a roster led by Darius Garland, Brandon Ingram, and rookie Keaton Wagler. The Oklahoma City Thunder stand to benefit from the situation, as they hold rights to pick swaps involving the Clippers in the upcoming draft.

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