On First Take, Stephen A. Smith said Kawhi Leonard handled the Clippers salary-cap controversy in a way that put gangsters to shame. The NBA found the team violated rules tied to Leonard; he has since signed a two-year, $115 million extension with Toronto.
The NBA imposed a $330 million fine on the Clippers, barred owner Steve Ballmer for one year and stripped the team of five first-round picks.
Smith said Leonard secured his money, parted ways with his uncle Dennis and the Clippers, reached a deal with the NBA through the players' association, avoided arbitration and left the country. Leonard previously led Toronto to the 2019 NBA title; the article says staying healthy remains his main challenge.
