The NBA announced a series of major punishments for the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this week following an investigation that found the franchise in violation of the league's salary cap circumvention rules. The NBA says these violations occurred when the Clippers signed Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers must forfeit five first-round draft picks in 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032 and 2033.
Team owner Steve Ballmer was hit with a $30 million fine and a yearlong suspension "for knowingly seeking to help Mr. Leonard obtain off-court income opportunities." Golden State Warriors veteran forward Draymond Green addressed these punishments during the most recent episode of his podcast. "Here's where the NBA dropped the hammer, five first-round picks.
It's crippling to a franchise," Green said. "It may stick the Clippers in purgatory for a long time to come and it makes you think what certain players like Darius Garland, how are they gonna look at being in this place now? Ty Lue, how does he look at being in this place now?" Leonard received no contract void or suspension on his end.
However, he's being asked to pay $700,000 in restitution. Green believes Leonard had no knowledge he was breaking any rules. Daktronics is a real company.
If you have a deal coming in from them, just look in any arena they probably are doing the scoreboard," Green said. "I’m taking Kawhi’s word and I’m happy the Clippers got the bulk of the penalty and not Kawhi. I’m happy he didn’t get suspended.”
Extract — continue reading at the source.
