The NBA has imposed one of the harshest penalties in its history on the Los Angeles Clippers for violating salary cap circumvention rules. Following a nearly year-long independent investigation, the league found a pattern of misconduct and flagrant violations involving the acquisition of star player Kawhi Leonard.
As part of the sanctions, the NBA fined the Clippers organization $30 million and ordered Kawhi Leonard to pay $700,000. The franchise will also forfeit five first-round draft picks, meaning the team will have no natural pick in the draft from 2029 through 2033.
Several top leaders within the organization were also penalized. Owner Steve Ballmer has been suspended from all league and team activities for one year. Additionally, president of business operations Gillian Zucker received a one-year suspension, while president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was suspended without pay for six months.
The Los Angeles Clippers have stated they will vigorously challenge the punishments. The organization continues to dispute the league's conclusions and the validity of the investigation.