'Biggest punishment in NBA history'? Experts reacts to Clippers' Kawhi penalties

Editor's note: Follow along for live updates on the NBA punishments handed out to Kawhi Leonard and the L.A. Clippers.

The long NBA investigation into Kawhi Leonard the Los Angeles Clippers came to a conclusion Wednesday when the league issued punishments to the team, several of its executives and the star who was since traded to the Toronto Raptors.

Among the long list of punishments, the Clippers will be fined $30 million. They will also lose a substantial access to future talent, giving up five first-round picks in the 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032 and 2033 NBA drafts.

For Leonard, the NBA states that the star player has been fined $700,000. No mention of suspension was included in the press release.

The world reacted accordingly as to what it means

for the Clippers, Leonard and the future of the organization.

Reactions to NBA fines, Kawhi Leonard and LA Clippers

Pretty sure this is the biggest punishment in NBA history. The Clippers finally have a banner they can hang! Just classic. https://t.co/W8lhRFCq1N

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) September 2, 2026

Wow, 5 first round picks?! Plus a $30 million dollar fine. The NBA did it, they dropped the hammer. I’m assuming Clippes/Ballmer will appeal, that could tie this up for while, further complicating Kawhi-to-Raptors trade https://t.co/H8SqnFn6jk

— Trevor Lane (@TrevorLane) September 2, 2026

The Clippers have multiple first-round picks in 2029, 2031 and 2033. I would assume the 2031 and 2033 picks are their own getting stripped, not Toronto's. The 2029 one is murkier because their own pick is attached to Philadelphia swap rights. https://t.co/0ISQURKcun

— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) September 2, 2026

The tally for the Clippers getting Kawhi is now 10 first-round picks, two-swaps and SGA https://t.co/qi7S4XLNfA

— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) September 2, 2026

A. Five first rounders is a massive penalty in the Kawhi circumvention saga. Huge deal.

B. Think the biggest key here is near the bottom we have a statement saying the NBA and NBPA agreed to all punishments. https://t.co/Uxa13uBFGy

— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) September 2, 2026

The Clippers respond, promising the challenge the NBA’s findings. pic.twitter.com/Iri12ADM1d

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) September 2, 2026

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Biggest punishment in NBA history'? Experts reacts to Clippers' Kawhi penalties