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NBA salary cap investigations and franchise penalties

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2026-10-03 15:38 UTC → 2026-10-16 06:46 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The NBA has issued severe penalties against the Los Angeles Clippers following investigations into salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard. New details revealed by journalist Pablo Torre suggest that team sponsor Boingo Wireless allegedly facilitated a $1.9 million payment to Leonard and an entity known as ‘CLIP’ through a promotional arrangement. This transaction reportedly stemmed from a single one-hour appearance by Leonard at Camp Pendleton in August 2022. While officially labeled a promotional operation, critics argue the payment was disproportionate to the work ~~performed.~~ performed, and a former Boingo executive expressed concern that the company used military connections to facilitate the transaction. These findings follow an NBA probe concluding the Clippers helped Leonard secure endorsement deals with four companies in exchange for business opportunities. Sanctions include a $30 million fine, the loss of five first-round draft picks between 2029 and 2033, and a one-year suspension for owner Steve ~~Ballmer.~~ Ballmer, who has been banned from courtside seating. As a result of the fallout, ~~Leonard was traded to~~ the Clippers are undergoing a significant roster reset following the departures of Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac, adding players such as Rui Hachimura and Brandon Ingram. In a related transaction, the Toronto ~~Raptors.~~ Raptors acquired Leonard through a trade involving Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and multiple draft picks. Leonard has since signed a two-year, $115 million extension with Toronto. Concurrently, the NBA is investigating the Milwaukee Bucks regarding Gary Trent Jr.’s four-year, $64 million contract. The league is examining whether the team made undisclosed promises to secure the deal after Trent Jr. previously played on a minimum-salary stint. Bucks general manager Jon Horst defended the signing, describing Trent Jr. as an “elite shooter” despite a recent statistical decline. ~~Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green warned the situation could be “disastrous” for the Bucks if the league imposes penalties similar to those handed to the Clippers.~~

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