Clippers owner Steve Ballmer reveals what he really feels about Kawhi Leonard's punishment

The year-long saga between Kawhi Leonard, the NBA, and the Los Angeles Clippers finally came to an end on Wednesday. Punishments were handed out to every party involved, but a lot of people felt that Leonard came away with little to no damage because he only had to pay a relatively modest $700,000 in restitution.

In comparison, the Clippers were dealt a massive blow to their long-term future because they have to give up the next five first-round picks. At the same time, team owner Steve Ballmer is facing a one-year suspension and a monumental $30 million fine.

For a long time, NBA fans have gotten used to Ballmer being a passionate team owner. He is always on the sidelines showing his support and genuine love for the Clippers, but it seems this is a situation where he will be feeling genuine anger.

In the bigger picture, it seems the Clippers were the only ones punished, and Leonard got away scot-free. Of course, the cap circumvention has the Clippers as the primary party involved, but many would argue that Leonard and his personal team also played massive roles.

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This has led to people speaking about Ballmer and what he could feel after this situation. The Clippers have sent a letter rejecting the NBA's finding, but it seems the league and commissioner Adam Silver are holding firm on the verdict.

"I know Steve Ballmer a little bit, and I understand when you're worth $150 billion, and you're angry, and he's very clearly angry, you can't advise him, you can't talk to him. I'd be stunned if his lawyers didn't advise him, as Shams said, to make a plea deal, because he should have made a plea deal," Brian Windhorst said about Ballmer's feelings about the saga on ESPN's Get Up.

Aside from that, it seems Ballmer will have to sit out games for at least the 2026-27 season. It will be up to him and the Clippers to make big decisions because they might want to fight against the verdict even more, given the statement they released.