The NBA announced on Wednesday severe punishments to the LA Clippers for violation of salary cap rules in the signing of star Kawhi Leonard. The penalties include the loss of five first-round draft picks (in the years 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, and 2033), a $30 million fine (R$ 153 million), and a one-year suspension of owner Steve Ballmer.
According to the NBA, a nearly year-long investigation found a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant violations of salary cap rules by the Clippers organization, which is considered a repeat offender of salary cap regulations.
Steve Ballmer was suspended from all league and team activities for one year for "knowingly seeking to help Mr. Leonard obtain income opportunities off the court," among other issues. The president of business operations, Gillian Zucker, was also suspended without pay for one year.
