Leonard focused on Raptors return with 'clean slate' after avoiding suspension in NBA cap probe
The NBA has imposed severe penalties on the LA Clippers, including a $30 million fine and the loss of five first-round draft picks, following an investigation into salary cap circumvention. Kawhi Leonard was also fined $700,000 for his role in the rules violations.
Why it matters
This ruling sets a major precedent for how the NBA enforces financial regulations and maintains competitive balance.
The league announced Wednesday it stripped the Clippers of five first-round picks from 2029 through 2033 and fined the team $30 million US after an independent investigation found a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations.
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and president of business operations Gillian Zucker were suspended for one year, while president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was suspended for six months.
Leonard was ordered to pay the NBA $700,000 after the investigation found he violated circumvention rules by obtaining off-court income opportunities with the Clippers' assistance and failing to reimburse personal expenses paid by the team.
The team maintained its innocence on Wednesday.
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