The NBA has imposed its most severe penalty in league history on the LA Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer. An investigation revealed the team circumvented salary cap rules to provide millions to Kawhi Leonard. As a result, the Clippers will forfeit five future first-round draft picks from 2029 to 2033. They are also being fined $30 million. Steve Ballmer faces a one-year suspension for knowingly facilitating off-court income opportunities for Leonard. The NBA deemed Ballmer approved a Clippers deal with Aspiration because it was contingent on Aspiration sponsoring Leonard. Investigators found the Clippers' attempt to justify this by claiming introductions were made at a player's request unpersuasive. Ballmer personally invested over $50 million in Aspiration, which subsequently offered Leonard a $28 million deal. This arrangement allowed Leonard to receive more money than his official salary. The NBA views this as a violation of league rules, not illegal activity, comparing it to Microsoft's past business tactics. This punishment hinders the Clippers' efforts to improve and achieve their first championship.