NBA Slams Clippers with Major Penalties for Salary Cap Violations Involving Kawhi Leonard

The NBA has levied severe sanctions against the Los Angeles Clippers, including stripping the team of five first-round draft picks and imposing a $30 million fine on owner Steve Ballmer. The penalties follow a year-long investigation into salary cap circumvention related to star player Kawhi Leonard. Ballmer, President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank, and President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker have also received suspensions. Leonard himself was fined $700,000. The Clippers have stated their intent to challenge the findings and penalties.