NBA penalizes Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard for cap circumvention

The NBA issued penalties against the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard on Wednesday following a year-long investigation into illegal salary cap circumvention. The Clippers received a $30 million fine and the forfeiture of five first-round draft picks, while owner Steve Ballmer and several team executives face suspensions. Leonard was ordered to pay a $700,000 fine but avoided a contract voiding or suspension. Investigators found that the club helped facilitate unauthorized endorsement deals for the player, though they could not prove a written agreement tied these arrangements directly to his contract terms. This outcome contrasts with the 2000 case involving Joe Smith, whose deal was voided after evidence proved a written agreement existed to skirt league rules. Leonard remains expected to be traded to the Toronto Raptors.

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