Clippers hit with sweeping penalties in salary-cap case as Kawhi Leonard avoids suspension

The NBA found the Los Angeles Clippers and associated parties violated its salary-cap circumvention rules, imposing a $30 million team fine, five forfeited first-round picks (2029–2033), and multiple suspensions and fines: Steve Ballmer (one year), Gillian Zucker (one year, unpaid), Lawrence Frank (six months, unpaid), Kawhi Leonard ($700,000), and Leonard’s uncle Dennis Robertson (five years ban). Leonard escapes suspension and contract voiding, and the Raptors trade for him remains on hold pending the investigation. The league’s findings centered on off-court income deals for Leonard with Aspiration, Daktronics, Boingo Wireless and Lockton Insurance and the Clippers’ role in facilitating and paying related expenses, marking a major sanction against the franchise and its leadership.