NBA penalizes Clippers for salary cap violations; Bucks under investigation

The NBA has issued severe penalties against the Los Angeles Clippers following a year-long investigation into salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard’s contract. The sanctions include the loss of five first-round draft picks between 2029 and 2033, a $30 million fine for owner Steve Ballmer, and suspensions for Ballmer, Lawrence Frank, and Gillian Zucker. As part of the fallout, Leonard has been traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and several draft picks.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry commented on the ruling, stating he was not surprised by the severity of the decision and that Commissioner Adam Silver had a responsibility to enforce the rules.

Simultaneously, the NBA is conducting a separate investigation into the Milwaukee Bucks regarding the contract of Gary Trent Jr. The league is examining whether the Bucks made undisclosed promises to the player to secure a four-year, $64 million deal following his initial minimum-salary stint with the team. The investigation, overseen by the firm Hecker Fink, seeks to determine if the arrangement violated salary cap regulations.