NBA Brings the Hammer on the Clippers — $30 Million Fine, 5 First-Round Draft Picks, and Steve Ballmer Is Banned for a Year

· Daring Fireball · Sept. 5, 2026, 3:14 a.m.
Summary
The NBA imposed the largest punishment in league history on the LA Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer, fining them $30 million and stripping five first-round draft picks due to violations of salary cap rules involving Kawhi Leonard. Ballmer is also suspended for a year. This case reflects a broader commentary on corporate tactics often used in business and compares it to the practices of tech giants like Microsoft, noting the strict enforcement of rules in sports leagues compared to the tech industry.
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