What happened: The NBA penalized the La Clippers after a nearly year-long salary-cap circumvention investigation. Owner Steve Ballmer received a one-year suspension, while Lawrence Frank was suspended without pay for six months and Gillian Zucker for one year.

Why it matters: The five forfeited first-round picks span the 2029 through 2033 drafts, limiting the franchise's long-term flexibility. The sanctions also remove key executives from their roles ahead of the 2026-27 season.

What to watch: Attention turns to Leonard's expected official Toronto trade and the Clippers' plans for the affected draft assets.