- Steve Ballmer has been suspended for one year by the NBA, and the Los Angeles Clippers have been fined $30 million and stripped of five first-round draft picks for violating salary cap circumvention rules.
- Kawhi Leonard has been fined $700,000 for his involvement in the salary cap violations, which included pressuring the Clippers to assist him in obtaining off-court income opportunities.
- The NBA's investigation, which lasted nearly a year, concluded that the Clippers knowingly sought to help Leonard obtain off-court income opportunities, violating league rules.
- Following the announcement of the penalties, the Clippers rejected the findings and vowed to challenge the NBA's decision, claiming the investigation was biased.
- Kawhi Leonard stated he accepts full responsibility for the situation and is focused on returning to Toronto, where he previously won an NBA title.
- The NBA opened its investigation in September 2025 into a $28 million endorsement contract between Leonard and Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC, following allegations of salary cap circumvention.
- Earlier this year, Aspiration co-founder Joseph Sanberg was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for fraud, which has raised further scrutiny on the company's dealings.
The NBA's investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers revealed significant violations of salary cap rules, leading to severe penalties for owner Steve Ballmer and the organization. The league found that the Clippers circumvented regulations to funnel millions to Kawhi Leonard, who now faces a $700,000 fine.125
Ballmer was suspended for one year, while the Clippers must forfeit five first-round draft picks and pay a $30 million fine. The investigation, which lasted nearly a year, was prompted by a report regarding a $28 million endorsement deal between Leonard and Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC, a company that has since filed for bankruptcy.6
The NBA stated that Leonard, through his uncle Dennis Robertson, pressured the Clippers to assist him in securing off-court income opportunities, violating league rules. Leonard accepted responsibility for the situation, stating, “Integrity and respect for this game are fundamental to who I am.” He expressed regret for the distraction caused to fans and his family, emphasizing his commitment to fulfilling his obligations in good faith.
As the investigation concludes, Leonard's anticipated trade to the Toronto Raptors is expected to proceed, with Leonard eager to return to the team where he won an NBA title in 2019. He stated, “As I return to Toronto, I am focused on what I can control, closing this chapter, and moving forward with a clean slate.”
“The Clippers lose first-round picks in 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032 and 2033, and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank is banned for six months. Leonard's statement, issued through new agent Harrison Gaines, accepts responsibility for 'lapses in judgment' by his inner circle.”
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