The wait is over. After a year-long process of investigations, rumors, and uncertainty, the NBA has announced the penalties imposed on the Los Angeles Clippers in connection with the Aspiration case. And while there were indications that the Clippers might not escape severely, the league has ultimately issued a notably stern punishment.
Specifically, the franchise will forfeit five first-round picks in the Draft (spanning 2029 through 2033) and must pay a $30 million fine. Additionally, Steve Ballmer will be suspended for one year from all league and team activities. Furthermore, other senior officials in the front office were penalized as well, with Gillian Zucker, president of business operations, and Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations, each suspended without pay for periods of one year and six months respectively.
BREAKING: The NBA has ruled on the Los Angeles Clippers in for salary cap circumvention investigations on Kawhi Leonard after yearlong probe — stripping the franchise of 5 first-round picks, issuing a $30 million fine to owner Steve Ballmer and suspensions for Ballmer, Lawrence… pic.twitter.com/JCV5bI88BE
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 2, 2026
The franchise, however, is not the only party affected, as Kawhi Leonard and his circle have also faced consequences. The player himself—arguably the least harmed—will be required to pay a $700,000 fine, but the heaviest blow has fallen on his uncle and former representative Dennis Robertson, who has been barred from engaging in any type of NBA business activity.
