Mar 7, 2023; Inglewood CA, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard at a topping off ceremony at the Intuit Dome. The arena, the future home of the LA Clippers, is scheduled to be completed in 2024. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports I spent Wednesday evening racking my brain for a w ay to combine “karma” and “Kawhi” but the best I came up with was “Kawharma” which sounds more like Middle Eastern meat cooked on a spit. It’s still apropos as Kawhi Leonard is cooked. Shams Charania posted the news as soon as it broke: BREAKING: The NBA has ruled on the Los Angeles Clippers in for salary cap circumvention investigations on Kawhi Leonard after yearlong probe — stripping the franchise of 5 first-round picks, issuing a $30 million fine to owner Steve Ballmer and suspensions for Ballmer, Lawrence… pic.twitter.com/JCV5bI88BE— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 2, 2026 “BREAKING: The NBA has ruled on the Los Angeles Clippers in for salary cap circumvention investigations on Kawhi Leonard after yearlong probe — stripping the franchise of 5 first-round picks, issuing a $30 million fine to owner Steve Ballmer and suspensions for Ballmer, Lawrence Frank and Gillian Zucker, sources tell ESPN.” Leonard was personally fined $700,000. While that may be years of accumulated salary for us mere mortals, it comes out to 2.5% of $28M he took under the table through his Aspiration deal. Consider the estimated $20M he made through additional off-the-books deals, and the $700,000 slap on the wrist becomes roughly 1.4% of what he made. He made a $50M salary and $50M in “consulting” doubling his income in a fashion The internet went viral with comments. One of the best was figuring out what signing Kawhi Leonard has cost the Los Angeles Clippers now. Originally, pundits pointed out that his demand to bring in Paul George cost the Clips Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-rounders, and two pick swaps. Now the Clippers are in even deeper due to their relationship with Leonard. Kawhi Leonard’s legacy with the Los Angeles Clippers:– Demanded the front office trade for Paul George, forcing them to part with every asset they had including a young Shai Gilgeous-Alexander– Missed 243 games in 7 seasons (equivalent of nearly 3 seasons)– 2019-2020: Blew a…— Damien Peters (@DamienPetersNBA) September 2, 2026 Leonard did not act alone. He was represented by his uncle Dennis Robertson whose name is well known among Spurs fans. Part of the outcome of this investigation has left Uncle Dennis banned from business dealings involving the NBA. Last summer, Leonard requested a trade from Los Angeles to Toronto. The trade was held up due to the investigation as the Raptors were informed they could end up liable for any retribution involving Leonard. he is now expected to head to Toronto to play out the remainder of his career. Welcome to The Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, do not troll and watch the language. ...read more read less