Back in September 2025, investigative journalist Pablo Torre used his show “Pablo Torre Finds Out” to expose allegations that the Los Angeles Clippers had circumvented the salary cap in their dealings with Kawhi Leonard.
That revelation sent shockwaves through the league and forced the NBA to open a formal investigation. Now, nearly twelve months later, the league has finally delivered its verdict.
NBA’s Latest Action Against the Los Angeles Clippers
According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, the NBA has concluded its yearlong investigation by handing the Clippers a severe punishment.
The franchise will lose five future first-round draft picks, while owner Steve Ballmer has been hit with a $30 million fine and a suspension. Clippers executives Lawrence Frank and Gillian Zucker have also received suspensions.
The punishment does not end there. Leonard himself has been ordered to pay $700,000 in restitution over improper benefits connected to the Clippers and his uncle and former business representative, Dennis Robertson.
However, Leonard will not have his contract voided or face a suspension. Robertson, meanwhile, has been barred by the NBA from participating in any future business dealings with the league. Robertson was also fired by Leonard in June.
BREAKING: The NBA has ruled on the Los Angeles Clippers in for salary cap circumvention investigations on Kawhi Leonard after yearlong probe — stripping the franchise of 5 first-round picks, issuing a $30 million fine to owner Steve Ballmer and suspensions for Ballmer, Lawrence… pic.twitter.com/JCV5bI88BE
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 2, 2026
As the news spread across social media, the reaction from the NBA world came in quickly.
A similar case occurred in 2000, when the Minnesota Timberwolves were punished for a secret arrangement involving Joe Smith. Minnesota originally lost five first-round picks and was fined $3.5 million.
Smith’s contracts were voided, and his Bird Rights were stripped, while owner Glen Taylor was suspended, and Kevin McHale was forced to take a leave of absence. Two of the forfeited picks were eventually restored.
That episode left the Timberwolves in a difficult position, showing just how damaging the loss of premium draft capital can be for an NBA franchise. Journalist Alex Kennedy echoed that concern while reacting to the Clippers’ punishment.
“Holy [expletive]. This will set the Clippers back years,” Kennedy wrote, while another influencer commented, “Clippers got sent to hell.”
Holy shit. This will set the Clippers back years. https://t.co/gGJ531c1J9
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) September 2, 2026
The timing makes the punishment even more significant. The Clippers went 42-40 last season and failed to secure a direct playoff spot. They eventually entered the Play-In Tournament but were defeated by the Golden State Warriors.
After that disappointing campaign, Los Angeles had hoped to make a stronger start to the 2026-27 season. However, losing five first-rounders dramatically changes the franchise’s long-term outlook.
One frustrated user captured the growing pessimism online by writing, “5 firsts OH MY GOD. That is crippling,” whereas another one said, “Holy [expletive], Clippers in hell for the next decade.”
5 firsts OH MY GOD
That is crippling.
— Basketball University (@UofBasketball) September 2, 2026
One user took a different approach with his reaction to the news. They focused on the Clippers’ future rather than the immediate shock of the punishment.
“5 first round picks for one WCF run where he didn’t even play in sucks. Geez that sucks for them. How do they even recover from this lol,” the user wrote.
5 first round picks for one WCF run where he didn’t even play in sucks. Geez that sucks for them. How do they even recover from this lol
— LEEZUS (@AndrewLeezus) September 2, 2026
The Clippers now face the challenge of remaining competitive while operating without five valuable future first-round selections.
For a team that has already struggled to turn its star-heavy era into sustained postseason success, the NBA’s ruling could become one of the biggest obstacles in franchise history.
