The Los Angeles Clippers have been handed one of the NBA's most severe punishments following the league's investigation into salary-cap violations involving Kawhi Leonard.
The Clippers have been stripped of five first-round draft picks from 2029 through 2033 and fined $30 million. Owner Steve Ballmer has also been suspended for one year, while Leonard was fined $700,000.
The NBA said its investigation found multiple violations involving off-court income opportunities connected to Leonard and companies doing business with the Clippers.
The franchise has rejected the league's findings and said it intends to challenge the decision through arbitration.
The penalties could have consequences far beyond the financial cost. Losing five future first-round selections severely limits the Clippers' ability to rebuild through the draft.
For a franchise already facing major questions about its future, the punishment creates another significant challenge heading into the 2026-27 season.
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