Why Kawhi Leonard Avoided Major Sanctions in NBA Clippers Probe
Los Angeles lost five draft picks and saw executives banned, while Leonard received only a small fine following a year-long investigation.
A year-long NBA investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard has concluded with sweeping sanctions against the franchise, while the star forward avoided severe discipline.
The league handed down historic penalties to the Clippers organization, stripping the team of five first-round draft picks. In addition, front office personnel and team owners received suspensions or indefinite bans for their roles in the matter.
Despite questions surrounding whether Leonard's contract should have been ruled null and void due to potential salary cap circumvention, the league opted against tearing up the deal. According to reporting from BasketNews on details shared by Shams Charania, Leonard received only a relatively minor fine instead of facing severe financial penalties or contract termination following his departure from the Toronto Raptors.