NBA penalizes Clippers with five first-round picks for salary-cap violations tied to Kawhi Leonard

The NBA announced Wednesday that the Los Angeles Clippers will lose five first-round draft picks—2029 through 2033—following an independent investigation that uncovered a pattern of salary-cap violations. The probe, conducted by the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, concluded the team facilitated undisclosed endorsement agreements for star forward Kawhi Leonard with team sponsors, breaching league rules.

Commissioner Adam Silver said the penalties reflect the seriousness of the violations. In addition to the draft sanctions, the league fined Clippers owner Steve Ballmer $30 million and barred him from league and team activities for one year. Ballmer was found to have knowingly assisted Leonard in securing off-court income and failed to supervise senior staff who enabled the scheme.

The Clippers, who finished the 2023-24 season with a 42-40 record and missed the playoffs, also face the loss of additional draft assets tied to previous trades, leaving them with only four first-round selections between 2027 and 2033. The organization has vowed to challenge the findings, stating it will pursue all available avenues, though the NBA and the players’ union have indicated the penalties are final and binding.

Kawhi Leonard, who recently changed agents, issued a statement accepting responsibility for lapses by members of his inner circle and expressing regret for the distraction caused to fans and his family. The NBA noted his personal fine of $700,000 and confirmed no suspension or contract voiding will occur.

The sanctions mark the most severe draft-pick punishment since the NBA stripped the Minnesota Timberwolves of multiple picks in 2000 for similar cap circumvention. Analysts view the Clippers’ loss of draft capital as a significant setback to any rebuilding plans centered on young talent.