Brief
NBA sanctions Clippers and fines $30 million after Leonard trade investigation
The league’s penalties follow a federal investigation into the Clippers’ cap‑circumvention and affect Leonard’s move to Toronto.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The NBA announced Wednesday that the Los Angeles Clippers will pay a $30 million fine, lose five first‑round draft picks (2029‑2033), and see senior executives suspended after a salary‑cap investigation linked to Kawhi Leonard’s trade to the Toronto Raptors.
What happened
The league’s disciplinary action includes a one‑year suspension for owner Steve Ballmer, a one‑year suspension for president of business operations Gillian Zucker, and a six‑month suspension for president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank. The Clippers must also undergo a five‑year compliance and monitoring program. Leonard’s former business manager, Dennis Robertson, was barred from any NBA‑related business for five years.
What was said
Bleacher Report quoted Leonard as saying he was not paying attention to the situation and did not know journalist Pablo Torre, who had been reporting on the matter.
How it came about
The penalties follow a federal probe that began in early September and were announced shortly after Leonard’s trade to Toronto was completed, an event previously covered by Felo News in several articles about the trade and its fallout.
Key facts
- The NBA fined the Los Angeles Clippers $30 million. (bleacherreport.com)
- The Clippers forfeited five first‑round draft picks covering 2029‑2033. (bleacherreport.com)
- Owner Steve Ballmer received a one‑year suspension. (bleacherreport.com)
- Kawhi Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors. (bleacherreport.com)
What we don't know yet
- Exact calendar date of the NBA’s announcement beyond "Wednesday".
Sources
- [1] bleacherreport.com — originally reported as “Kawhi Leonard Reacts to Pablo Torre Report on Video After Raptors-Clippers Trade, NBA Investigation”
