‘The Punishment Makes Sense’ — Stephen Curry Wasn’t ‘Surprised’ by Major Consequences for Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard Scandal

Brandon Taylor Thu, September 17, 2026 at 10:37 PM UTC

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Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Clippers are facing major turmoil following the conclusion of the NBA’s investigation into salary cap circumvention. As the organization faces multiple significant penalties, one of the league’s faces, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, revealed his thoughts on the situation.

Stephen Curry Believes Clippers Were Fairly Punished

Curry was asked about the Clippers during a recent media interview, and he believes the NBA acted appropriately. Curry said:

“I wasn’t surprised. I think the reason the investigation took as long as it did, and Steve Ballmer, I’ve gotten to know, he’s a great guy, who’s standing by the punishment, so there’s a reason that’s all happened the way that it has, and at the end of the day, Adam Silver had a job to do, and I think the punishment makes sense.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the Clippers were stripped of five first-round draft picks and fined $30 million as a result of salary cap circumvention related to former star player Kawhi Leonard.

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is also suspended for the season, and as Curry noted, accepts the league’s ruling even if he doesn’t agree with it.

The NBA ruled that Ballmer and the Clippers were liable for helping Leonard secure potential endorsement deals outside of league rules.

The Clippers were fined $250,000 in 2015 after violating league rules while attempting to re-sign All-Star center DeAndre Jordan. The incidents may harm Ballmer’s reputation, though Curry believes he’s a good guy who’s always trying to do everything he can to win.

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Many people believe Leonard’s reputation may have also suffered permanent damage as a result of this situation. The league fined Leonard $700,000, though he denied any intentional wrongdoing.

The Clippers traded Leonard to the Toronto Raptors, ending an era that seemed destined to produce at least one championship, but ultimately fell short.

Leonard was productive during his Clippers run but was often injured. Clippers owner Ballmer is also suspended from all league and team activities for one year, missing many of the team’s biggest games or playing in them at less than full strength.

MORE:‘Biggest Scammer in League History,’ ‘Ridiculous’ – Outrage Erupts As Kawhi Leonard Is Set To Sign Contract Extension After Raptors Trade

Perhaps the Leonard era will be remembered most for helping the Oklahoma City Thunder build a championship team. Leonard wanted the Clippers to add Paul George to the roster, and they acquired him from the Thunder while trading future MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the Thunder, along with multiple future draft picks.

As the Thunder look set to become one of the NBA’s potential dynasties over the next decade, and Leonard finishes his career in Toronto, where he was previously named Finals MVP, the Clippers face an uncertain future.

However, Curry’s comments suggest there isn’t much sympathy for the Clippers around the league.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

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Source: “AOL Sports”