The NBA has handed down major sanctions against the Los Angeles Clippers following a yearlong league investigation into salary cap circumvention involving forward Kawhi Leonard.
As reported by ESPN, the league stripped the franchise of five future first-round draft picks and levied a $30 million fine against team owner Steve Ballmer. Furthermore, suspensions were handed to Ballmer, President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank, and executive Gillian Zucker.
Leonard was ordered to pay $700,000 in restitution regarding improper benefits routed to his former business representative, Dennis Robertson. Leonard avoided a contract void or suspension, while Robertson—whom Leonard terminated in June—has been permanently banned from conducting business with the NBA.