The NBA suspends Clippers owner Steve Ballmer for one year and penalizes the Los Angeles Clippers after a probe into alleged salary-cap circumvention involving star player Kawhi Leonard. Multiple outlets report the league finds the team facilitated arrangements that effectively helped Leonard secure outside income in a way that bypassed salary-cap rules.

According to the NBA’s stated actions, the Clippers lose five first-round draft picks, with the forfeitures set to occur in drafts starting in 2029 and continuing through 2033. The league also imposes a $30 million fine on the team. Sources also describe suspensions beyond Ballmer, including Clippers-related executives, and mention Leonard’s involvement while noting he is not suspended.

Outlets emphasize slightly different elements of the case: Bloomberg focuses on Ballmer’s suspension and the ownership-linked sponsorship structure; Forbes and CNBC highlight the $30 million fine and draft-pick penalties; CBS Sports and the Los Angeles Times frame the development as the release of findings from a lengthy investigation. One report also specifies a $700,000 penalty connected to Leonard, while others concentrate on ownership and team penalties.