Stephen A. Smith calls for harsh NBA punishment including 'year-long ban' for Kawhi Leonard

Stephen A. Smith says the NBA should impose severe penalties if an investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers finds salary-cap circumvention allegations to be true. Smith reacted to reports that Leonard and the team allegedly attempted to bypass the league’s cap by funneling “bogus sponsorship money” through Aspiration, according to Pablo Torre. Torre also cited a report suggesting a similar issue with another team sponsor, Daktronics. The NBA investigation is not expected to be resolved until 2027. If proven guilty, Smith proposed dismantling Leonard’s contract, suspending him for at least a year, confiscating Clippers draft picks, and even suspending Steve Ballmer from attending games. The article notes the NBPA would likely oppose a year-long ban.