Clippers Hit with NBA’s Deadliest Penalty | Spokane News

The NBA just dropped the biggest punishment in league history on the LA Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer after a year-long probe revealed they rigged the salary cap to funnel millions to Kawhi Leonard — resulting in five future first-round picks, a $30 million fine, and a full-year suspension for Ballmer. The league says he knowingly approved off-court deals, including one with Aspiration as a stepping stone for Leonard’s sponsorships. The Clippers’ defense — that it was okay if players asked — fell flat. Kawhi’s uncle, Dennis Robertson, is banned for five years for pressuring the team, and Kawhi must repay $700K. Now cleared for a trade back to Toronto, where he won a title, Kawhi took responsibility for lapses around him. The NBA stands firm: their cap system is non-negotiable, and these penalties reflect the gravity of the violations — even as the Clippers vow to fight back. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/37e28dd4b11b004e