The NBA found that both Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers circumvented the league’s salary cap, but Leonard will not be suspended or have his contract voided.
The league ruled the Clippers will forfeit five first-round picks (2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, and 2033), while owner Steve Ballmer has been suspended for one year.
Several other high-ranking officials in the Clippers’ front office were also suspended as part of the announcement.
Leonard was fined $700,000 and the Clippers $30 million.
The findings were based on information gained from an independent investigation conducted by the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.
Leonard issued a statement after the ruling was delivered:
“Integrity and respect for this game are fundamental to who I am. I accept full responsibility for lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle and regret the distraction this situation has caused the fans and my family.
I entered into my contract with the Clippers as well as the agreements in question in good faith, fully committed to fulfilling my obligations and with no knowledge of any intent on anyone’s part to circumvent the salary cap.
For 15 years, my priority has been giving everything to my family, the game, and those I share the court with. As I return to Toronto, I am focused on what I can control, closing this chapter, and moving forward with a clean slate.”
More to come.