Kawhi Leonard scandal and NBA Clippers penalties

Leonard said he entered into his contract with the Clippers in good faith with no knowledge of any intent to circumvent the salary cap.

The NBA stripped the Clippers of five first-round picks in 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, and 2033.

The Raptors will receive 2031 and 2033 unprotected first-round picks and a 2027 first-round pick swap in the trade.

Ballmer posted his apology statement on X.

Kawhi Leonard said he had no knowledge of any intent to circumvent the salary cap.

The NBA said Ballmer knowingly sought to help Kawhi Leonard obtain off-court income opportunities worth millions of dollars.

David Kelley wrote that league counsel acknowledged the league does not believe there was an agreement between the Clippers and Aspiration to funnel money to Kawhi Leonard.

Kawhi Leonard was ordered to pay $700,000 in restitution.

Daktronics confirmed that regulators requested records tied to its sponsorship agreements with Kawhi Leonard.

Kawhi Leonard released a statement saying he accepts full responsibility for lapses in judgment by people within his inner circle.

The NBA suspended Clippers owner Steve Ballmer for one year for knowingly seeking to help Kawhi Leonard obtain off-court income opportunities.

ESPN published an Aug. 17 story under the headline, 'Sources: NBA has no evidence Ballmer funneled money to Leonard via sponsors.'

The law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen, & Katz conducted the investigation for the NBA.

A trade sending Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors will finalize soon.

The 2000 Joe Smith scandal stripped the Minnesota Timberwolves of five first-round draft picks.