Former NBA star Danilo Gallinari publicly criticized the penalty imposed on Kawhi Leonard following the conclusion of the NBA’s investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers’ salary-cap circumvention.
Danilo Gallinari believes that the $700,000 fine for the two-time NBA champion was far too lenient, pointing out that the money should be donated to charity.
“He should pay all of that $50 million. He changed the trajectory of my career and put me in a difficult situation by sending me away from Los Angeles,” Gallinari said on the A Cresta Alta podcast.
“He should give that money to charity, all $50 million”
He added that Leonard’s demands directly impacted his career, as he requested the Clippers bring in Paul George as well, which resulted in Danilo Gallinari being sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the trade package for him.
“What happened to my NBA career wasn’t decided by a general manager or an owner, but by a player who decided that team wasn’t good enough and wanted something else,” he said, then continued:
“He should give that money to charity. He should pay all $50 million, not just $700,000,” he added.
Steve Ballmer accepted his punishment
Following an investigation into the Clippers circumventing the salary cap to pay Kawhi Leonard, the NBA imposed a punishment on the franchise, stripping them of five first-round draft picks and handing Ballmer a $30 million fine.
Steve Ballmer was initially opposed to the penalty, wanting to appeal the decision. However, he released an official statement indicating he will back off the appeal and accept the punishment.
“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 caused, for which I accept responsibility as principal owner.
We are committing to put this chapter behind us. We have communicated to the NBA that we are complying with the penalties assessed by the league, have paid the fine, and are moving forward. While there are still disagreements concerning the findings in the report, this is not where I want to focus. Team owners should support, not distract.
The challenges ahead of us are significant, but so is our resolve. We will continue to build our team and invest in our community. The confidence of our fans is our priority. With our talented roster, outstanding staff and clear vision, I am certain that we will compete at the highest level and be an organization our fans can be proud of,” Ballmer said in his statement.
Ballmer will begin his suspension in the 2026/27 NBA season and will be barred from all Clippers activities, while the Clippers will be without first-round draft picks in the NBA Drafts between 2029 and 2033.
