The NBA penalized the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard after an independent investigation into an off-court sponsorship deal that allegedly helped circumvent salary-cap rules. The franchise must forfeit five future first-round picks from 2029 through 2033, in addition to lacking picks in 2027 and 2028 because of earlier trades. Owner Steve Ballmer was suspended from all league and team activities for one year, while the Clippers were fined $30 million and Leonard was ordered to pay $700,000. Leonard, who was traded to the Toronto Raptors earlier this summer while the transaction was held during the investigation, said he accepted responsibility for judgment lapses by people in his inner circle and intended to move forward.