NBA sanctions Los Angeles Clippers for salary cap circumvention

The NBA issued penalties to the Los Angeles Clippers for circumventing the league's salary cap through undisclosed endorsement deals for Kawhi Leonard. The organization must pay a $30 million fine and forfeits five first-round draft picks spanning from 2029 through 2033, including a selection previously acquired from the Indiana Pacers. Additionally, owner Steve Ballmer faces a one-year suspension, while president of business operations Gillian Zucker and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank received suspensions of one year and six months, respectively. Kawhi Leonard is required to pay a $700,000 fine. An investigation conducted by Pablo Torre concluded that the team facilitated payments to the player through affiliated entities to avoid salary cap reporting requirements. Despite the disciplinary action, the league will permit the previously planned trade of Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. The Los Angeles Clippers indicated an intention to appeal the league's ruling.

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