The Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly frustrated and disappointed with Kawhi Leonard following the NBA’s investigation into salary-cap circumvention, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report. Fischer said there is “definitely some resentment” within the organization over Leonard receiving a relatively limited punishment while the Clippers faced severe penalties.
The NBA concluded that the Clippers and Leonard violated the league’s salary-cap circumvention rules following an independent investigation by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. The league found that the Clippers initiated and facilitated off-court income opportunities involving Leonard and Aspiration Partners, Boingo Wireless, Daktronics and Lockton Insurance.
Los Angeles was fined $30 million and ordered to forfeit its first-round picks in the 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032 and 2033 NBA Drafts. Owner Steve Ballmer received a one-year suspension, while President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker was suspended without pay for one year and President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank was suspended without pay for six months.
Leonard, meanwhile, was fined $700,000 and was not suspended. His contract was also not voided, allowing him to remain eligible to play and proceed with his expected trade to Toronto.
Fischer reported that Leonard and his representation worked with the NBA and the players’ union on the $700,000 fine, which effectively settled the league’s discipline against the 35-year-old forward. Leonard subsequently released a statement accepting responsibility for lapses in judgment involving people within his inner circle while maintaining that he entered his Clippers contract and the relevant agreements in good faith.
The difference in punishment has apparently created frustration inside the Clippers. Fischer said Los Angeles is unhappy that Leonard is able to “have his cake and eat it too,” although he added that he has not been given any indication that the franchise is attempting to retaliate against Leonard or deliberately complicate the trade.
There is also a significant reason for the Clippers to prefer Leonard’s contract remaining valid. Had the NBA voided his contract and Toronto abandoned the trade, Los Angeles could have been left with Darius Garland and Keaton Wagler as the primary pieces on its roster while still losing five future first-round picks.
Instead, the Clippers are positioned to receive Brandon Ingram and additional draft compensation from Toronto. Fischer noted that Ingram, a multi-time All-Star, could provide significant value either on the court or as a potential future trade asset.
The trade has not yet been finalized because the Clippers are working through changes to their front office structure following the suspensions of Frank and Zucker and Ballmer’s suspension. Toronto, Leonard and Ingram’s representatives are reportedly operating under the expectation that the deal will be completed imminently.
Leonard averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 65 games for the Clippers during the 2025-26 season, shooting 50.5% from the field, 38.7% from three-point range and 89.2% from the free-throw line. He earned All-NBA Second Team honors and finished seventh in MVP voting.
A return to Toronto would reunite Leonard with the franchise he led to its first NBA championship in 2019. The trade would also formally close his seven-year run with the Clippers once the transaction becomes official.
