Ballmer banned as Clippers face penalties over Kawhi Leonard salary‑cap scheme

The NBA banned Clippers owner Steve Ballmer for one year after an independent investigation found the team funneled millions to Kawhi Leonard through sham endorsements to evade salary-cap limits; the Clippers were fined $30 million and forfeited five first‑round picks (2029–2033). The probe, which cited Aspiration Partners and other vendors, also led to suspensions for two Clippers executives and a $700,000 fine for Leonard, with the team agreeing to a stringent compliance program.