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NBA bans Clippers owner Steve Ballmer for one year, fines franchise $30 million in Kawhi Leonard cap probe

9/7/2026

The Los Angeles Clippers have lost their owner for a year, $30 million, and five first-round draft picks following an NBA salary cap investigation tied to player Kawhi Leonard.

A salary cap is the league-set ceiling on what a team can spend on player contracts in a given season.

Owner Steve Ballmer is suspended, the fine lands on the franchise, and the five picks will be forfeited one per year starting in the 2029 draft.

Ballmer's one-year suspension removes him from involvement in team and league business. The $30 million is a direct financial penalty against the organization. The picks are the part with the longest reach.

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