The NBA strips the Clippers of five first-round picks in the Kawhi probe

A $30 million fine, a yearlong Steve Ballmer suspension, and five firsts from 2029 to 2033 land after the salary-cap circumvention investigation.

By Beat Coop / Published September 7, 2026

The NBA announced penalties on Sept. 2, 2026, after a Wachtell Lipton investigation into the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard.
The Clippers forfeit first-round picks in 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, and 2033 and pay a $30 million fine. Owner Steve Ballmer is suspended from league and team activities for one year. Kawhi Leonard was fined $700,000.
The league said the team initiated off-court income deals tied to team business partners and failed to report improper solicitations. Adam Silver called the violations flagrant. This reshapes the Western Conference draft board for years.
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