The Athletic NBA Daily The Athletic NBA Daily

NBA Hammers Clippers, Ballmer in Kawhi Ruling

Sep 2, 2026 · 33m

Summary

The Athletic NBA Daily breaks down the NBA’s severe penalties against the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard for salary cap circumvention. The Clippers lost five first-round picks, faced a $30 million fine, and saw owner Steve Ballmer suspended for a year, while Leonard’s agent was banned. The hosts discuss how this "death penalty" devastates the Clippers' future team-building prospects and confirm that Leonard’s trade to the Raptors will proceed despite the controversy.

Topics discussed

Sponsors: Discover Cash Back and Schwab NBA announces penalties for Clippers and Kawhi Leonard Analysis of fines, suspensions, and lost draft picks Impact on Clippers' team building and Steve Ballmer SEC investigation and forfeited Pacers draft pick Clippers' future roster and the 'death penalty' Public reaction and details of salary cap circumvention Kawhi's limited punishment and sponsor implications Sponsors: Square, Discover, and Schwab Clippers' statement and remaining draft assets Bradley Beal signing and lack of appeal options League integrity, Raptors trade, and show wrap-up Sponsors: Discover, Wayfair, and Schwab
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