NBA penalizes Los Angeles Clippers for salary cap circumvention

The NBA concluded a yearlong investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers regarding alleged salary-cap circumvention linked to Kawhi Leonard. The league stripped the franchise of five first-round draft picks and imposed a $30 million fine on owner Steve Ballmer. Team president Lawrence Frank and executive Gillian Zucker were issued suspensions alongside Ballmer. While Leonard will not face suspension or a voided contract, he is required to pay $700,000 in restitution. The investigation centered on improper benefits provided by the franchise to Robertson, who previously acted as an advisor to Leonard. Robertson has been banned from all future NBA business dealings following the findings of the probe.

• 9:01 PMYahoo Sports — NBA Strips Clippers of 5 Picks, Fines Steve Ballmer $30M in Kawhi Probe