The Kawhi Leonard trade between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors will still be on hold, even after Steve Ballmer accepted his punishment from the NBA.
Ballmer initially went against the NBA’s findings, wanting to appeal their decision through a legal setting. However, he reserved course this past weekend as he ultimately accepts his punishment of serving a one-year suspension from all activities involving the Clippers.
That doesn’t mean the trade involving Leonard will proceed as scheduled, at least for the time being. NBA insider Jake Fischer went over the situation, revealing the team still need to appoint an interim governor before going through with the original trade or a different direction. Los Angeles would send Leonard to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick.
“The Clippers still haven’t determined who will serve as the franchise’s interim governor, I’m told, as the league convenes its Board of Governors meetings in New York City tomorrow. Steve Ballmer will not attend while he accepts the NBA’s suspension and other penalties,” Fischer wrote.
“I would not read Steve Ballmer accepting the NBA’s investigation findings and penalties as any indicator the trade of Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors will be completed imminently. Still sounds like the Clippers’ aren’t quite ready to get back on the phone with Toronto, even though, as @TheSteinLine reported, the NBA league office would process a trade call without an interim governor in place.”
What’s next for Steve Ballmer, Clippers after NBA punishment
Apr 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) leaves the court after being defeated by the Golden State Warriors during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Steve Ballmer released a statement on Sunday regarding the punishment. It is clear he wants to move on from the events and begin a new period of Clippers basketball.
“We are committing to put this chapter behind us. We have communicated to the NBA that we are complying with the penalties assessed by the league, have paid the fine, and are moving forward. While there are still disagreements concerning the findings in the report, this is not where I want to focus. Team owners should support, not distract.”
“The challenges ahead of us are significant, but so is our resolve. We will continue to build our team and invest in our community. The confidence of our fans is our priority. With our talented roster, outstanding staff and clear vision, I am certain that we will compete at the highest level and be an organization our fans can be proud of,” Ballmer concluded his statement.
Ballmer has been the Clippers’ owner since 2014 following the NBA’s decision to ban former team owner Donald Sterling from the league. The multi-billionaire has helped the franchise be relevant by being consistent playoff contenders, going as far as the 2021 Western Conference Finals.
Los Angeles looks to embrace a new era with the investigation over. The franchise hopes to turn to a new direction, trying to limit the severity of the punishment while remaining competitive in a talented Western Conference.
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