The Los Angeles Clippers already paid a steep price for breaking NBA salary cap rules in their dealings with Kawhi Leonard. The league might not be done with them yet.
An independent investigation found the team helped arrange extra off-the-books money for Leonard through companies that did business with the franchise. The NBA responded by taking away five future first-round draft picks and slapping the organization with a $30 million fine.
Owner Steve Ballmer was suspended for a full year. President of basketball operations Lawrence Frank received a six-month unpaid suspension. Other team officials also faced discipline.The penalties look severe on paper. They may only be the starting point.
ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon highlighted language in the league’s announcement that left the door open for more.
“By the way, all these penalties we’re talking about, it’s at least five first-round picks. It’s at least $30 million because one very important line here: Wachtell Lipton continues to receive information relevant to the investigation, and the league will consider further action as appropriate. So, they might keep stacking stuff on. Just like all the companies started, like, it went from one to two, now it’s four. Like, and the league’s basically saying, ‘Hey, we might just be getting started here.’”
That warning has Clippers fans on edge. The law firm that conducted the year-long probe is still collecting information.
Leonard’s name also surfaced in connection with a questionable sponsorship involving the team’s scoreboard manufacturer. That deal was one of four the investigators flagged.
When Leonard first joined the Clippers, he used his leverage to push the team into trading for Paul George as well. That history made it easier for some to believe he was willing to take money under the table.
Investigators placed the heaviest blame on Ballmer and Frank rather than the player himself.Commissioner Adam Silver made clear he did not view Leonard as the primary offender. The two-time champion was fined $700,000 but was not suspended.
That outcome allowed a trade sending Leonard to the Toronto Raptors to move forward. The Clippers received Brandon Ingram and other assets in return.
A suspension for Leonard now would punish Toronto, a team that had no part in the original violations. Raptors supporters expect Leonard, Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett to be ready for opening night as the club tries to contend in the East.
In Los Angeles, the Clippers will lean on Darius Garland and Ingram to stay relevant after losing those five first-round selections. League officials are not expected to take additional draft picks, but more fines or extra suspensions remain possible if new details surface.
The organization also faces five years of extra league monitoring. Clippers officials have rejected the findings and said they may challenge them in court, even though the NBA and players’ union already agreed the current penalties are binding.
The investigation began after reports about a large endorsement deal with a now-defunct company that had ties to Ballmer. What started as one questionable arrangement grew into four.
For a franchise that has been cited before for salary-cap issues, the latest chapter feels like it could still have another chapter left. Fans will be watching to see whether the league adds anything else to the stack.
