What's Next For the Clippers, Raptors and Kawhi?

September 3, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

The NBA levied one of the harshest penalties in its history against the LA Clippers, stripping the franchise of five future first-round draft picks, fining them $30 million, and suspending owner Steve Ballmer for one year. The punishment capped a year-long investigation into whether the Clippers circumvented the salary cap to acquire Kawhi Leonard years ago. The league’s statement cited “a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations,” noting the Clippers were a “prior offender of the salary cap circumvention rules.” Kawhi Leonard was fined $700,000 but avoided suspension, and the trade sending him to Toronto is expected to proceed. On Locked On NBA Daily, hosts Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore, and Hayes dissected whether the punishment fit the crime, what it means for the Clippers’ future, and how the Raptors and Leonard emerge from the wreckage.

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What you'll learn

1 (01:07) **NBA Announces Clippers Punishment for Kawhi Leonard Investigation** - The league concludes a year-long investigation and hands down severe penalties for salary cap circumvention.
2 (02:54) **Panel Debate: Did the League Get the Punishment Right?** - The hosts argue over the severity and fairness of the NBA's decision.
3 (06:40) **Debating the "Harm" Caused by the Clippers** - The panel explores who actually suffered from the Clippers' actions.
4 (11:53) **Is This the "Death Penalty" for the LA Clippers?** - The hosts assess the long-term damage to the franchise and its future.
5 (17:43) **Clippers' Path Forward: One-Year Plan** - The hosts outline a survival strategy for the team in Los Angeles.
6 (23:43) **What's Next for the Raptors and Kawhi Leonard?** - The panel discusses how the trade benefits Toronto.
7 (28:00) **Amen Thompson Signs $208 Million Extension with Rockets** - A quick analysis of the five-year rookie scale extension.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Wes Goldberg Matt Moore

Show Notes

The NBA has hammered the Los Angeles Clippers after concluding its investigation into the team’s dealings with Kawhi Leonard. Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore and Haize react to the Clippers losing FIVE future first-round picks, a $30 million fine and Steve Ballmer’s one-year suspension. Is the punishment fair — or did Adam Silver go too far?

Then, what happens to the Clippers now? With their draft capital devastated, is this effectively the NBA’s version of the death penalty? And how does the ruling impact Kawhi Leonard and his future with the Toronto Raptors?

The guys also debate whether such a massive punishment will actually deter other NBA teams from salary-cap circumvention before reacting to Amen Thompson’s massive five-year, $208 million rookie extension.
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