After the NBA had announced its fines, suspensions, and penalties, which most notably included the loss of five first-round picks from 2029 to 2033, for circumventing the cap, LA Clippers’ owner Steve Ballmer reacted by mentioning he was taking matters to court. Long story short, they wanted to keep fighting to prove they were innocent.
Out of nowhere, Ballmer took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the Clippers are “complying with the penalties addressed by the league” and ultimately want to move on to a new chapter. What caused the sudden switch-up? He may have realized that by simply cooperating and showing good behavior, LA could at least get some of their backs back, similar to how the Minnesota Timberwolves did over two decades ago.
For my Los Angeles Clippers followers
— Steve Ballmer (@Steven_Ballmer) September 14, 2026
This has been a very difficult time for everybody associated with the Clippers, and for that, I have sincere regrets. I want to apologize to our fans, employees, and my fellow NBA team owners for the distraction and distress this matter has…
Times have changed quite a bit, and a different commissioner is in charge of the NBA. But nonetheless, accepting the reality of the situation and moving in the right direction is the Clippers’ best bet to get what they want under the current circumstances.
Steve Ballmer is hoping the league rewards them by complying
Dating back to 2000, David Stern imposed a $3.5 million fine, the loss of five first-round picks, and suspensions on Glen Taylor and Kevin McHale of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Joe Smith, the player involved in circumventing the cap, also had his contract voided and became a free agent.
Compared to the consequences the LA Clippers received from Adam Silver, the Timberwolves’ punishment looks very similar.
Over the next year or so, Stern ended up giving the Timberwolves back two of the first-round picks they lost solely because they didn’t go through the legal route to argue their side and essentially chose to live with the results.
What do you know? Steve Ballmer eventually comes around and accepts what the NBA found in its investigation.
It’s clear as day what is happening here, and to fans of the Clippers, this is honestly how Ballmer should’ve responded the second he found out what the NBA’s punishment would be.
Hopefully the Clippers can get some of their draft capital back in their possession. Even just one of the five picks lost would go a very long way. Yet, the worst case is that the outcome goes unchanged, which still isn't bad, as there is a massive sigh of relief that the drama is finally over and Kawhi Leonard is officially with the Toronto Raptors.
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