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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 17: Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors looks on from the crowd during the Golden State Valkyries game against the Dallas Wings at Chase Center on August 17, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The NBA’s harsh punishment for the Los Angeles Clippers in the wake of an investigation into potential salary cap circumvention continues to draw reactions from across the basketball world.
In all, the Clippers were hit with a $30 million fine, the forfeiture of five first-round draft picks, and major suspensions for key personnel, including a one-year suspension for owner Steve Ballmer. It’s a potentially franchise-crippling punishment, especially the lost of five first-round picks, but NBA commissioner Adam Silver wanted to set an example that cap circumvention won’t be taken lightly.
Steph Curry Says NBA Punishment for Los Angeles Clippers ‘Makes Sense’
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 17: Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors looks on from the crowd during the Golden State Valkyries game against the Dallas Wings at Chase Center on August 17, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The latest notable figure to react to the punishment is Golden State Warriors star guard Steph Curry, who said that he wasn’t necessarily surprised by the steep penalty, which he thinks is fair given the nature of the infraction.
“I wasn’t surprised. I think the reason the investigation took as long as it did and the idea that Steve Ballmer, who I’ve gotten to know and is a great guy, is standing by the punishment,” Curry said during an appearance on CNBC. “So there’s a reason it’s all happened the way that it has. At the end of the day, Adam Silver had a job to do, and I think the punishment makes sense. And we all move forward.”
After initially considering litigation against the NBA, Ballmer has decided to accept the punishment handed down by the league.
“This has been a very difficult time for everybody associated with the Clippers, and for that, I have sincere regrets. I want to apologize to our fans, employees, and my fellow NBA team owners for the distraction and distress this matter has caused, for which I accept responsibility as principal owner,” Ballmer said in a statement.
“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.”
This story will be updated.
Michael Kaskey-Blomain Michael Kaskey-Blomain is an experienced sports media member covering the NBA and NFL for Heavy. He has been in the industry for well over a decade with previous stops including the Philadelphia Inquirer and CBS Sports. Michael also serves as a Philadelphia 76ers reporter and insider for ESPN 97.3 and an NBA and NFL contributor for The Sporting News. More about Michael Kaskey-Blomain