The Los Angeles Clippers have received one of the biggest punishments in sports history for salary cap circumvention.
They broke the NBA’s strict rules when signing Kawhi Leonard to a four-year, $176 million extension in 2021.
The Clippers have since forfeited a stunning four first-round picks, and owner Steve Ballmer has been fined $30 million.
It has been the biggest talking point of the NBA for all the wrong reasons, but there are both winners and losers.
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Loser: LA Clippers fans
The biggest losers from the Clippers’ undoing are the loyal fans who will feel as though there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
For a team in need of a major rebuild, losing five first-rounders in consecutive seasons is nothing short of debilitating.
Unless the Clippers’ front office pulls off a miraculous recovery, they have a slim chance of contending for a decade.
Of course, the fans can still attend games, some of which they will inevitably win, but they cannot be blamed for giving up.
They have been deeply let down by the owner and the front office of a team already known for its lack of success.
Winner: LA Lakers
The entire Western Conference will be pleased with the Clippers’ downfall, as it should make it easier to reach the playoffs.
However, the Los Angeles Lakers are probably most concerned about the Clippers, as they are inter-city rivals.
The Lakers will always be the biggest draw in LA, but they have not always been the better basketball team.
However, with the Clippers handicapped by the NBA’s severe punishment, the Lakers should dominate the rivalry for a decade.
It should also prevent another situation in which a top free agent such as Leonard chooses the Clippers over the Lakers.
Loser: Kawhi Leonard
Many believe Leonard was fortunate only to have been dealt a $700,000 fine for violating salary cap circumvention rules.
Not only is that about 43 times less than the fine Ballmer received, but the forward also escaped suspension.
However, the situation has done irreparable damage to Leonard’s reputation, which was already shaky for a superstar.
The former San Antonio Spurs star will forever be remembered as one of the least popular Hall of Fame players.
That is not to say that no one likes Leonard, but he will never be revered in the same way as other players of his caliber.
Winner: Darius Garland
Darius Garland is not an obvious winner of the Clippers’ punishment, as he remains on the team, but that could soon change.
The Clippers are reportedly looking to trade their point guard soon to recoup draft capital, after losing five first-round picks.
Rather than playing for a rebuilding team following Leonard’s imminent departure, Garland may be traded to a better situation.
He will have a good reason to thank Leonard if and when he is playing for a playoff contender next April.
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