The Clippers may have found a better strategy than challenging the NBA over the penalties from the Kawhi Leonard salary-cap case.
Steve Ballmer initially considered legal options but ultimately chose to accept the league’s decision.
Los Angeles has paid its $30 million fine, while Ballmer and Gillian Zucker will serve one-year suspensions and Lawrence Frank will be sidelined for six months.
That cooperation could become important because the Clippers were also stripped of five first-round picks. There is precedent for the NBA later easing such a punishment.
Minnesota initially lost five first-rounders in the Joe Smith salary-cap case in 2000.
However, two were eventually returned after the Timberwolves accepted the consequences and moved forward without extending their dispute with the league.
Los Angeles has no assurance of receiving similar treatment, especially after being identified as a repeat offender.
Still, Ballmer’s decision to comply rather than pursue a lengthy fight could improve the team’s position if commissioner Adam Silver ever considers returning a pick.
That would be particularly important because the Clippers have already lost control of their own first-round picks from 2029 through 2033.
Even getting one selection back could give the franchise another valuable asset for its future.
