Austin Konenski
The NBA’s investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard has dominated the league’s headlines. Los Angeles allegedly attempted to circumvent the NBA salary cap by funneling money to Leonard through a now-bankrupt company called Aspiration. As of now, the NBA hasn’t finalized its investigation; however, a franchise-altering ruling could be on the way.
Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix was joined by Rachel Nichols on Open Floor and discussed the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers. While the NBA continues to work on the scandal, the Clippers could receive the “basketball death penalty.”
“I don’t know what’s in that thing, but there’s certainly a lot of people speculating around the league in NBA front offices that something is coming,” Mannix said. “That some kind of, of punishment. Whether it is a slap on the wrist or, you know, the basketball death penalty, I don’t know. But a lot of curiosity right now about how close the NBA is getting to revealing all that.”
This would be a horrible outcome for Los Angeles, as it would cripple the organization for years to come. However, what would likely be included in the NBA’s version of a basketball death penalty?
Los Angeles Clippers’ potential penalties for the Kawhi Leonard scandal
There is precedent for teams that messed with the NBA salary cap. In 2000, the NBA voided Joe Smith’s contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves after they circumvented the salary cap. Minnesota was also stripped of five first-round picks, given a $3.5 million fine, and received suspensions for executives Kevin McHale and Glen Taylor.
The Clippers could face similar punishment; however, more extreme actions could be taken. There have been rumors that Leonard’s contract could be voided as well, hurting the Clippers’ immediate future as a playoff contender. This would put the superstar forward into NBA free agency.
As of now, the Clippers have several first-round picks that can be stripped, so there won’t be any issues if the NBA decides to go that route. Meanwhile, a potential fine could be greater than $3.5 million, as the value has grown over the last 26 years. Either way, Los Angeles could face a disastrous outcome from the NBA’s investigation.
It is unclear when the NBA will release its findings, but the Clippers hope it doesn’t result in the NBA’s version of the “basketball death penalty.”
Read More: NBA Could Void Kawhi Leonard’s Contract Amid Los Angeles Clippers Investigation
