NBA punishes Los Angeles Clippers for salary cap circumvention

The NBA issued major penalties against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday following an investigation into salary cap circumvention regarding endorsement deals for Kawhi Leonard. Owner Steve Ballmer received a one-year suspension from all team and league activities, and the organization must forfeit five first-round draft picks between 2029 and 2033. Additionally, the team faces a $30 million fine, while President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker and President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank face suspensions. Kawhi Leonard is required to pay a $700,000 fine, and Dennis Robertson is barred from engaging with NBA teams for five years. The Clippers issued a formal statement rejecting the findings as a biased investigation, characterizing the league's actions as a witch hunt and pledging to pursue legal remedies. The organization will also undergo a five-year compliance and monitoring program overseen by the league.

• 10:59 PMYahoo Sports — Clippers Complain of ‘Witch Hunt’ After NBA Levies Heavy Punishments for Cap Circumvention