Stephen Curry believes the NBA’s punishment of the Los Angeles Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer was justified following the league’s salary-cap investigation.
The Golden State Warriors star said he was not caught off guard by the outcome, pointing to the length of the investigation and Ballmer’s decision to accept the penalties.
“I wasn’t surprised,” Curry said. “I think the reason the investigation took as long as it did and the idea that Steve Ballmer, who I’ve gotten to know and is a great guy, is standing by the punishment. So there’s a reason it’s happened the way that it has.
“At the end of the day, Adam Silver had a job to do, and I think the punishment makes sense. And we all move forward.”
The Clippers were fined $30 million and lost five first-round draft picks, while Ballmer received a one-year suspension. Although he initially challenged the NBA’s findings, the Clippers owner later accepted the league’s decision.
“This has been a very difficult time for everybody associated with the Clippers, and for that, I have sincere regrets,” Ballmer said in a statement. “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.”
Kawhi Leonard was separately fined $700,000 and has since been traded to the Toronto Raptors.
