PHOENIX – One of the biggest NBA stories in recent memory is the Los Angeles Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer’s cap circumvention for All-Star Kawhi Leonard. The nearly year-long battle led to the franchise losing five first-round picks and a major message to the league. Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia sat down with Front Office Sports and discussed his Pacific division rivals’ recent controversy and had plenty of praise for NBA commissioner Adam Silver follow through in the punishment.
Feb 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia watches a game against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second quarter at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Suns’ Ishbia happy with league’s response:
“Obviously surprising and disappointed in what happened and how it all transpired. I think Adam Silver did a fantastic job managing it [and] leading it,” Ishbia said. “Punishing someone and setting the tone that, ‘Listen, we have rules for a reason we’re going to follow the rules, and if you’re not going to follow the rules then there’s going to be severe consequences’…Steve probably regrets what he did.”
Aug 16, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia (left) and players Devin Booker (center) and Dillon Brooks sit courtside of the Phoenix Mercury game against the Portland Fire at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The full punishment included forfeiting first-round picks from 2029-2033, a $30 million fine, which is the max the NBA can enforced, and a year-long ban for Ballmer and other front office execs. Ishbia was clear in the interview that he thought Silver and the league did a great job of fitting the punishment with the crime. He continued by stating that all 30 owners have to abide by the same rule and giving out light punishments would send the wrong message.
Ishbia claims he is still friends with Ballmer and doesn’t let this recent controversy changed how he feels. But, the competitive spirit of the league was soiled by his actions and there needed to be a firm stance by the league to stop any future instances of this type of behavior, which the Suns owner appreciated.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
