Steve Ballmer Makes First Public Statement (& What It Means For Kawhi Leonard Trade)

September 14, 2026 ,
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Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has opened up about the severe punishment the NBA hammered his team with over the Kawhi Leonard cap circumvention scandal. He penned a social media post overnight explaining where they're at:

"For my Los Angeles Clippers followers:

This has been a very difficult time for everybody associated with the Clippers, and for that, I have sincere regrets. 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. While there are still disagreements concerning the findings in the report, this is not where I want to focus. Team owners should support, not distract.

The challenges ahead of us are significant, but so is our resolve. We will continue to build our team and invest in our community. The confidence of our fans is our priority. With our talented roster, outstanding staff and clear vision, I am certain that we will compete at the highest level and be an organization our fans can be proud of."

So it sounds like they're complying with the league's punishment.

But what about the Kawhi Leonard trade with the Toronto Raptors? Does this statement get us any closer to the Clippers honoring that June 30th agreement and going ahead with the official trade call with the league?

Not particularly, says insider Jake Fischer.

"I would not read Steve Ballmer accepting the NBA’s investigation findings and penalties as any indicator the trade of Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors will be completed imminently.

Still sounds like the Clippers aren’t quite ready to get back on the phone with Toronto ..."

He adds that the bottom line is that the team still hasn’t determined who will serve as the franchise’s interim governor as the league convenes its Board of Governors meetings in New York City today. Additionally, the official branding of a president of basketball operations to replace the suspended Lawrence Frank also has not happened.

So Raptors fans, and Kawhi, and Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick (who are supposed to be going to the Clippers in return for Leonard) still have to wait.

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