NBA hammers Clippers with record fine, draft pick forfeiture, and Ballmer ban over salary cap violations

The NBA has imposed a record $30 million fine on the Los Angeles Clippers, stripped the team of five first-round draft picks (2029-2033), and banned owner Steve Ballmer for one year. These severe penalties stem from a year-long investigation that uncovered major salary cap circumvention violations involving star Kawhi Leonard, who was also fined $700,000. The Clippers have indicated their intent to challenge the findings and penalties.