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NBA rules Kawhi, Clippers circumvented cap; no suspension or voided contract for Leonard

The NBA has declined to suspend Kawhi Leonard or void his contract after its salary-cap circumvention investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers, clearing a major hurdle for his proposed return to the Toronto Raptors. The league announced Wednesday it stripped the Clippers of five first-round picks from 2029 through 2033 and fined the team US$30 million after an independent investigation found a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations.

Why wasn't Leonard punished as harshly as the Clippers?

The Clippers lose five-first round picks, incur several fines, and received some suspensions. Why didn't Kawhi Leonard get a tougher penalty, including contract termination, or a suspension of his own? ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania explains.

How shocking is the suspension of Clippers owner Ballmer?

Among the punishments announced by the NBA following an investigation into the Clippers: a loss of five first-round draft picks and a fine of $30M. Owner Steve Ballmer is suspended from all league and team activities for one year. How shocking is it that Ballmer is being banned, and not Kawai Leonard? The guys from ESPN's 'Pardon the Interruption' have more.

Raptors to raise Lowry’s No. 7 to rafters on Jan. 10, 2027

The Raptors will retire Kyle Lowry’s No. 7 following their Jan. 10 game against the 76ers. Lowry will become the second player in franchise history to have his number raised to the rafters at Scotiabank Arena, joining Vince Carter. The six-time all-star is the franchise’s career leader in assists, steals and three-pointers.

Report: Montreal’s Mathurin joins Pelicans on two-year, $16M deal

Bennedict Mathurin has landed in the Big Easy. ESPN’s Shams Charania reports the Montreal-born swingman has agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. Mathurin, 24, had been a restricted free agent, but Mathurin lobbied the Los Angeles Clippers to withdraw his qualifying offer.

DeRozan intends to sign with Nuggets, Thompson expected to join Heat

The Dallas Mavericks and Klay Thompson have reached an agreement to buyout the remainder of the 36-year-old's deal, the team says. Thompson will clear waivers on Sunday, and according to ESPN, he is expected to join the Miami Heat. Veteran wing and former Raptor DeMar DeRozan reportedly intends to sign with the Denver Nuggets, according to NBA insider Chris Hayes.

Harden agrees to three-year, $97M deal to remain with Cavaliers

Free agent James Harden has agreed to a new three-year, $97 million contract to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, with a player option for 2028-29 and a trade kicker, agents Mike Silverman, Troy Payne and Brandon Grier of Equity Sports told ESPN on Thursday.

How the Buss family's stake could impact Luka Doncic's future

On First Take, Chris Canty and Evan Cohen join Courtney Cronin to weigh in on Jeanie Buss contesting the sale of the Buss family’s 17.8% stake in the Lakers to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner and how it could impact Luka Doncic's future.

Report: Buss family selling remaining stake in Lakers

The Buss family has reportedly decided to sell its remaining 17.8% stake in the Lakers to new majority owners Josh Kushner and Bob Iger. Once the transaction is completed, Jeanie Buss will no longer have the needed ownership percentage to remain governor because NBA guidelines require controlling owners/governors to own at least 15% of a franchise.

Sources: NBA has no evidence Ballmer funneled money to Leonard via sponsors

The NBA has found no evidence showing Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funneled money through team sponsors to pay Kawhi Leonard in order to circumvent the salary cap, according to three people with knowledge of discussions between the two sides in recent days. Instead, the NBA is focused on whether the team's introduction of Leonard to team sponsors constitutes a violation of the league's rules prohibiting salary cap circumvention. ESPN's Baxter Holmes has more on this, and how it affects the trade with Toronto.

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