The NBA penalizes the Clippers five first round draft picks
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 3:01 PM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026

The NBA has penalized the Clippers by stripping the franchise of five first round draft picks for salary cap circumvention. The sanction follows an investigation into the team regarding contractual matters involving Kawhi Leonard. Draymond Green addressed the punishment, noting the long-term impact such a loss of assets could have on the organization's future stability. The decision raises questions regarding the outlook for players like Darius Garland and the team's coaching staff under Ty Lue. The league has not released further details on the specific nature of the circumvention. The loss of five first round picks is expected to significantly affect the team's ability to rebuild or acquire talent through the draft for several seasons.
- •The NBA stripped the Clippers of five first round draft picks.
- •The penalty is a result of salary cap circumvention related to Kawhi Leonard.
- •Draymond Green publicly commented on the impact of the loss of assets.
- •The sanction creates uncertainty for the future of players and staff in the organization.
- 3:01 PMYahoo Sports — "Here's where the NBA dropped the hammer, FIVE FIRST …
""Here's where the NBA dropped the hammer, FIVE FIRST …
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