NBA hits Clippers, Leonard with cap-circumvention penalties

Five first-round picks will be forfeited through 2033.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 31 min read

Investigative journalist Pablo Torre joins the @RichEisenShow to discuss the outcome of the NBA’s investigation into the Via @ESPNNBA on X

What happened: Pablo Torre joined the Rich Eisen Show to discuss the findings from a nearly yearlong independent inquiry. The NBA found the Clippers facilitated off-court income deals involving four companies and paid personal expenses on Kawhi Leonard’s behalf.

Why it matters: The organization will face league compliance monitoring for five years, adding oversight during the upcoming 2026-27 season. The NBA and NBPA agreed the sanctions are final and binding, closing the league appeal path.

By the numbers: The penalties include a $30 million team fine, a $700,000 payment from Leonard and a one-year suspension for owner Steve Ballmer.

What to watch: The next milestone is the formal announcement of Leonard’s contract trade, with its timing still unsettled.

Sources

@ESPNNBA 2026-09-03T21:15:04.603595+00:00

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