NBA fines Clippers $30 million and suspends Steve Ballmer
The NBA has fined the Los Angeles Clippers $30 million, removed five first-round draft picks and suspended owner Steve Ballmer for one year after finding the team circumvented salary-cap rules while recruiting Kawhi Leonard. Leonard was also fined $700,000. ESPN reports that the Clippers plan to challenge the findings through every available avenue.
Why it matters
One of the NBA’s largest sanctions could affect the Clippers’ ownership, roster-building and future competitiveness.
Sources
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Part of the September 3, 2026 brief.