Clippers docked five first-rounders as Leonard-to-Raptors deal nears finish

The NBA's cap-circumvention ruling stripped the Clippers of five first-round picks (2029-2033), fined owner Steve Ballmer $30 million and suspended executives Gillian Zucker and Lawrence Frank over off-court payments steered to Kawhi Leonard.

Leonard was fined $700,000 in restitution but not suspended, and his former business manager, Dennis Robertson, is banned from dealing with NBA teams for five years.

The ruling clears the way for Toronto's long-rumored trade for Leonard, agreed in late June but held up pending the investigation.

ESPN's Shams Charania said on Sportscenter that Leonard's contract was not voided and that the deal, sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and five draft picks to the Clippers, is set to finalize within days.

The New York Post noted fans reacted with disbelief online at how lightly Leonard was treated compared with the organization built around his contract.