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10h ago

Ballmer Accepts NBA Sanctions as Clippers Move to Finalize Kawhi Leonard Trade

The owner’s concession clears a major obstacle to completing the long-delayed deal while unresolved federal and regulatory probes continue to hang over the franchise.

Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, right, celebrates with Derrick Jones Jr. after the Clippers defeated the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 19, 2026.
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Mar 4, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer reacts after the game against the Indiana Pacers at Intuit Dome.

Overview

  • Steve Ballmer said late Sunday that he accepts the NBA’s penalties, has paid the $30 million fine and will comply with league discipline.
  • The NBA’s yearlong Wachtell Lipton probe found the Clippers engineered off‑court deals that routed about $66 million to Kawhi Leonard through four companies, and the league stripped five future first‑round picks and suspended Ballmer and senior executives.
  • Multiple outlets report the previously agreed trade sending Leonard to the Toronto Raptors is being processed or has been finalized, though some sources say the deal is imminent rather than completed.
  • Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York have opened an early criminal inquiry and the SEC has sought records from one vendor, meaning civil or criminal exposure could proceed separately from NBA discipline.
  • The losses of five first‑round picks and the incoming package of Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and draft assets will reshape the Clippers’ roster plan and the team’s front office must adjust while suspended executives are out of operations.