NBA sanctions Los Angeles Clippers for salary cap circumvention

The NBA issued penalties to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday following an investigation into a scheme to circumvent the salary cap regarding Kawhi Leonard. The league stripped the organization of five first-round draft picks and imposed a $30 million fine on owner Steve Ballmer. Kawhi Leonard received a $700,000 fine, while suspensions were handed to Ballmer, Lawrence Frank, and Gillian Zucker. The Clippers organization released a statement rejecting the league's findings and indicated intent to challenge the penalties. The sanctions represent a significant shift for the franchise, which has not controlled a first-round pick since prior to recent roster moves involving Paul George.

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