Draymond Green Surprisingly Defends Kawhi Leonard After Clippers Face Fines: “I’m Taking Kawhi’s Word For It”

Draymond Green gave an honest verdict on Kawhi Leonard's non-suspension in the LA Clippers controversy.

Draymond Green Surprisingly Defends Kawhi Leonard After Clippers Face Fines: “I’m Taking Kawhi’s Word For It”

Draymond Green and Kawhi Leonard (Image credits - Fox Sports)

The NBA finally concluded its investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard. There were rumors that the investigation would go on till 2027, but the growing pressure saw the NBA complete its investigation a few days ago.

The Clippers signed Leonard as a free agent in the summer of 2019. Leonard was coming off a historic championship run with the Toronto Raptors. After lifting his second championship and second Finals MVP, he joined the Clippers to kickstart a new era.

Unfortunately, his stint with the organization could be viewed as a massive failure. While he failed to lead them to even a single NBA Finals due to constant injuries, allegations of hidden sponsorship deals with the Clippers made things a lot worse.

However, Leonard released a statement saying he was unaware of any wrongdoing. Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green believes Leonard is telling the truth and welcomed the NBA’s decision to impose most of the punishment on the franchise.

If you got a deal coming in from Daktronics, you’re not running to your representation like, ‘Yo, how I get this?’ You’re like, ‘Oh, I got a deal with Daktronics.’ And I know that’s a very reputable company. So, I’m taking Kawhi’s word for what it is, and I’m happy the team got the bulk of the penalty and not Kawhi.

Draymond Green on The Draymond Green Show

Following the investigations, the NBA stripped the Clippers of five first-round picks from 2029 to 2033. While Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has denied the allegations, he was issued a fine of $30 million and a suspension for one year.

However, Leonard was handed a fine of just $700k. Draymond Green often shows support for his NBA colleagues. He did share his thoughts regarding the whole salary cap circumvention saga last month and suggested that the NBA should abolish the salary cap altogether. In the end, the four-time champion was delighted to see Leonard get away with a light punishment.

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Kawhi Leonard is the winner in the Clippers’ salary cap scandal

The salary cap circumvention allegations began before the 2025-26 campaign got underway. It started off with the Aspiration scandal last year. But further investigations showed more hidden deals to circumvent the salary cap. Reports said Leonard secured a hidden sponsorship deal with Daktronics.

While Green was in support of Leonard’s ruling, NBA insider Brian Windhorst called the two-time champion the “unmitigated winner” in the Clippers’ salary cap scandal.

Leonard is the unmitigated winner in this. I would advise him not to use the words ‘integrity’ and ‘respect’ anymore… He collected tens of millions of dollars in endorsement deals and was fined $700K in restitution. It’s the greatest investment you could ever make.

Brian Windhorst on Get Up

Many believe that Kawhi Leonard was well aware of everything that was going on despite his statement. With the Clippers taking the brunt of the ruling, it is fair to say Leonard got away with it after the investigations.

Stephen A. Smith would null and void Kawhi Leonard’s trade to the Toronto Raptors

Not only is Leonard getting away with a light punishment, but his trade to the Raptors will also be going through as well. The trade was on hold till the NBA completed its investigation into the Clippers. But after the ruling, Leonard will be returning to Toronto after seven years.

Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard (Image credits – Bleacher Report)

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith believes that Leonard should suffer the consequences after the whole scandal.

I would null and void the trade. You ain’t going to Toronto. Your a** is gonna stay right there in L.A. and you’re gonna suffer the consequences with this team.

Stephen A. Smith on First Take

Leonard will be looking to start a new chapter in Toronto after his miserable stint in LA. The Raptors were one of the big surprises and reached the playoffs last season. With Leonard back, they will be hoping for a much deeper postseason run next year.

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