If a team has its draft pick revoked by the NBA, this is typically a sign that they are at fault for something that is not taken lightly. A common mistake is tampering, and Adam Silver approaches these situations seriously by taking action immediately, following the first, essential piece of the process: the investigation.
Furthermore, in the 2025 NBA Draft, fans of the New York Knicks did not see one of their second-round picks get announced due to tampering with Jalen Brunson. This consequence, with the Knicks' family ties with Brunson's father, occurred after the team was caught red-handed by the NBA.
However, Silver has the free and fair will to increase the number of picks taken away and add fines if necessary, once all of the circumstances of the violation have been considered. This can be harsh, just as suspensions, but it ultimately serves the purpose of teaching a lesson to everyone.
The LA Clippers could be in a situation where their limited draft capital is voided due to the sketchy finances of Kawhi Leonard, the face of the franchise, and the best owner in basketball, Steve Ballmer.
These two had a long, rough week, with their emails and direct messages being flooded with accusations. They have not caught a break, and will not, until the league is done investigating.
Yet, in the end, NBA insider Zach Lowe suggests the hefty price the Clippers could suffer because of Leonard's scandal, and this will set the franchise back, with no way out.
The LA Clippers' patience in the draft department could have been for nothing if Kawhi Leonard is guilty of his recent allegations
With the anxious feeling that Kawhi Leonard could be in major trouble, the LA Clippers should be hoping that a fine is the worst of the consequences they receive. This is a first offense, and details released on Wednesday afternoon indicated that LA could simply sacrifice a few million dollars.
If the situation turns out to be worse than what was dug up by Pablo Torre, NBA insider Zach Lowe spoke on how rough it would be for the Clippers if they were forced to take out of their pockets a number of draft picks.
This ending is ultimately tied with a lengthy suspension for Leonard, which would be the most significant nightmare, as it would force the Clippers into a much longer rebuild with no easy way out.