NBA bans Clippers owner Ballmer one year, historic fine for cap circumvention

The NBA has issued a one-year ban to Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and levied historic penalties against the club for secretly paying star players outside the salary cap. This marks the most severe punishment in league history for financial misconduct, signaling a crackdown on cap circumvention. The ruling is confirmed by the source, though details on the exact fine amount and affected players remain unclear.