NBA Commissioner Confirms Final Penalties for Clippers and Kawhi Leonard
During a news conference following the Board of Governors meetings, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed that the penalties imposed on the Los Angeles Clippers and player Kawhi Leonard for salary-cap circumvention are final and will not be changed.
The Clippers face significant sanctions, including the loss of five future first-round draft picks and a $30 million fine. Additionally, team owner Steve Ballmer, along with other executives, has been suspended, and the organization is under probation for five years. Leonard, who was recently traded to the Raptors, received a $700,000 fine but was not suspended.
Despite the penalties, Silver expressed confidence that the franchise could remain competitive. He acknowledged the impact on fans, stating that while competitive consequences are necessary, the league aims to maintain a balanced environment for all teams. The Clippers were not represented at the recent Board of Governors meetings due to ongoing efforts to appoint a new governor while Ballmer is suspended. The team is also under investigation by the Department of Justice regarding its dealings with Leonard.
