NBA strips Clippers of five draft picks, bans Ballmer over Kawhi Leonard violations

The NBA has handed the Los Angeles Clippers one of its harshest penalties in recent memory for salary-cap violations connected to star player Kawhi Leonard. The punishment includes the forfeiture of five first-round draft picks and significant financial penalties for the franchise. Owner Steve Ballmer and several team executives have been suspended as part of the league's disciplinary action. Leonard himself was fined $700,000 for his role in the violations. The Clippers have disputed the findings and are preparing to formally challenge the NBA's ruling.