# 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.
- Title: Clippers suspend Ballmer over Kawhi Leonard cap scheme
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: los angeles clippers, steve ballmer, kawhi leonard, nba, cap circumvention, suspension, john gibson, trent redden, lawrence frank, gillian zucker, toronto raptors, trade
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nba/news/clippers-interim-governor-steve-ballmer-suspension-kawhi-leonard
- Published: 2026-09-21T17:37:51+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: los angeles clippers, steve ballmer, kawhi leonard, nba, cap circumvention, suspension, john gibson, trent redden, lawrence frank, gillian zucker, toronto raptors, trade
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.