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NBA Hands Clippers $30M Penalty, 5 Picks, Ballmer Suspension

9/6/2026

17 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Clippers Hit With Penalties

The NBA imposed historic penalties on the Los Angeles Clippers for salary-cap circumvention.
The team forfeits five first-round draft picks from 2029 through 2033.
The NBA fined the Clippers $30 million.
Steve Ballmer, the Clippers’ owner, is suspended for one year.
The Clippers say they vehemently reject the findings and will appeal in court.

Summary

Raptors Target Leonard

Raptors offered Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and two unprotected first-round picks for Kawhi Leonard.
Clippers' loss of five future first-round picks gives Toronto new bargaining power.
Raptors consider lowering price but fear other teams could outbid if talks stall.
Leonard avoided suspension, paid a $700,000 fine and kept his on-court value for Toronto.
Raptors' front office says Leonard verbally committed to reuniting with the team.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 the NBA, led by Commissioner David Stern, penalized the New York Knicks for salary-cap violations. The action built on the league’s soft salary-cap system introduced in 1984-85 and the stricter enforcement that followed the 2004 Pacers-Pistons brawl. That season the Knicks posted a $124 million payroll, about $74.5 million above the cap, prompting tighter compliance checks.

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Clippers Hit With Penalties

The NBA imposed historic penalties on the Los Angeles Clippers for salary-cap circumvention.
The team forfeits five first-round draft picks from 2029 through 2033.
The NBA fined the Clippers $30 million.
Steve Ballmer, the Clippers’ owner, is suspended for one year.
The Clippers say they vehemently reject the findings and will appeal in court.

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