From CBS Sports · · 1m 20s
Clippers suspend Ballmer over Kawhi Leonard cap scheme
Los Angeles names interim leader after NBA punishes team for circumventing salary cap rules in Leonard trade.
In brief
Los Angeles names interim leader after NBA punishes team for circumventing salary cap rules in Leonard trade. The Clippers accepted a one-year suspension for Steve Ballmer and lost five first-round picks for cap violations tied to Kawhi Leonard's acquisition. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Ballmer suspended for cap violation
The NBA suspended Clippers owner Steve Ballmer for one year over salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard. The team also lost five future first-round picks.
John Gibson takes interim control
Trial attorney John Gibson, a longtime Clippers season ticket holder, was named interim governor and CEO. Ballmer nominated Gibson and the NBA approved him after vetting.
“I am honored to take on this responsibility and grateful for the opportunity to serve an organization I have supported for many years.”
Clippers accepted NBA punishment
After initially planning to fight the punishment, the Clippers changed course and accepted the league's decision. They finalized the trade sending Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors.
Multiple executives suspended
President of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was suspended for six months. President of business operations Gillian Zucker was suspended for one year.
Trent Redden leads basketball ops
General manager Trent Redden will lead the basketball operations department while Lawrence Frank is sidelined. The team faces a challenging future with key decision-makers suspended.
Five-year monitoring program begins
The NBA placed the Clippers under a five-year compliance and monitoring program overseen by the league office. The team must operate cautiously during this period.
What it means
The Clippers accepted a one-year suspension for Steve Ballmer and lost five first-round picks for cap violations tied to Kawhi Leonard's acquisition.
