Kawhi Leonard avoided a suspension or the cancellation of his contract following the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers, with Shams Charania explaining that the league lacked sufficient evidence to impose either punishment.
While Los Angeles received a $30 million fine and lost five first-round picks, Leonard kept his contract before eventually returning to the Toronto Raptors.
“They needed every form of evidence to void Kawhi Leonard’s contract or suspend him,” Charania said, in remarks edited for clarity. “Clearly, the league didn’t have it.”
According to Charania, the NBA needed an extremely strong case before risking a challenge from Leonard and the NBPA.
“You have to have a stone-cold case,” he added. “Otherwise you’re dealing with a ton of real litigation and real arbitration through the NBPA.”
The investigation determined that Leonard violated circumvention rules through former representative Dennis Robertson, who acted on his behalf. Leonard was ordered to pay $700,000, but avoided a suspension or contract termination.
The Clippers suffered significantly greater consequences. Steve Ballmer received a one-year suspension, several executives were sidelined and the franchise lost five future first-round picks.
Those penalties added to the enormous price Los Angeles had already paid during the Leonard era, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and substantial draft capital in the 2019 Paul George trade.
Leonard has now returned to Toronto, while the Clippers received Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and several draft assets to help begin rebuilding their future.
