# NBA imposes historic sanctions on Clippers over cap probe > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nba-investigation-into-clippers-salary-cap-allegations > Updated: 2026-09-04T00:05:53.000Z. Sources: 33. Developments: 4. The NBA has concluded a year-long investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers, determining the franchise engaged in significant salary cap circumvention to provide Kawhi Leonard with unauthorized off-court income. Conducted by the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, the probe found the team facilitated impermissible deals through companies including Aspiration, Boingo, and Daktronics. In response, the league has imposed historic sanctions. The Clippers face a $30 million fine and the forfeiture of five first-round draft picks between 2029 and 2033. Individual penalties include a one-year suspension for owner Steve Ballmer, a one-year unpaid suspension for business operations president Gillian Zucker, and a six-month suspension for basketball operations president Lawrence Frank. Kawhi Leonard was fined $700,000, while his uncle and former manager, Dennis Robertson, has been banned from NBA-related business for five years. The Clippers have rejected the findings, labeling the investigation a “witch hunt” and expressing intent to pursue arbitration. The resolution of the probe potentially clears the way for a previously stalled trade that would send Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. ## Claims - The NBA found proof of salary cap circumvention by the Los Angeles Clippers involving Kawhi Leonard. (corroborated by 18 sources) - The Los Angeles Clippers are stripped of five first-round draft picks from 2029 to 2033. (corroborated by 17 sources) - The NBA fined the Los Angeles Clippers $30 million. (corroborated by 17 sources) - Kawhi Leonard was fined $700,000. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Owner Steve Ballmer is banned from team and league activities for one year. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Gillian Zucker is suspended without pay for one year. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Dennis Robertson is banned from NBA-related business for five years. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers are expected to proceed with a trade to the Toronto Raptors. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The Clippers organization has rejected the investigation findings and intends to appeal via arbitration. (corroborated by 6 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: NBA imposes historic penalties on Clippers for salary cap violations The NBA has fined the Los Angeles Clippers $30 million and stripped them of five first-round picks following an investigation into salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard. 30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nba-sanctions-los-angeles-clippers-for-salary-cap-circumvention ### 2026-08-22: NBA investigates Los Angeles Clippers over salary cap concerns The NBA investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers regarding salary cap circumvention is ongoing, with a decision expected by mid-September. Meanwhile, the team continues roster moves, including acquiring Maxe 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nba-investigates-los-angeles-clippers-over-salary-cap-concerns ### 2026-08-20: NBA investigation into Clippers salary cap allegations sparks media dispute The NBA and media outlets are in a dispute following reports that an investigation found no evidence of the Los Angeles Clippers circumventing the salary cap to pay Kawhi Leonard. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nba-investigation-into-clippers-salary-cap-allegations-sparks-media-dispute ### 2026-08-13: Draymond Green calls for steep penalties in Clippers salary cap case Draymond Green is calling for severe NBA penalties in the investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard for alleged salary cap circumvention through phony sponsorship deals. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/draymond-green-calls-for-steep-penalties-in-clippers-salary-cap-case --- Cite as: NBA imposes historic sanctions on Clippers over cap probe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nba-investigation-into-clippers-salary-cap-allegations