NBA Commissioner Says Clippers Penalties Are Final

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed on Tuesday that the league's penalties against the Los Angeles Clippers for salary cap circumvention are final and will not be altered. The discipline, announced earlier this month, includes a $30 million fine, a one-year suspension for owner Steve Ballmer, and the forfeiture of five first-round draft picks from 2029 to 2033. Speaking to reporters after the Board of Governors meeting in New York, Silver stated the punishment is complete. "The discipline is final," Silver said. "I think we all agree it's time to move forward here." He noted that the league's investigation, conducted by the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, found the Clippers violated rules by initiating off-court income opportunities for star player Kawhi Leonard with companies that also did business with the team. The penalties also include fines and suspensions for other team executives. Leonard was fined $700,000 but avoided suspension or contract voidance, while his uncle and former business manager, Dennis Robertson, was banned from all NBA business dealings for five years.