Warriors' Draymond Green Calls NBA Punishment of Clippers in Kawhi Leonard Case 'Devastating'

Draymond Green shared his “deep” analysis of the NBA’s Clippers-Kawhi Leonard punishment decision.

Warriors veteran Draymond Green explained how he views the NBA’s recent punishment of the Clippers in the Kawhi Leonard-related matter.

Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green responded to the punishment the Los Angeles Clippers received over allegations of circumventing the salary cap in connection with Kawhi Leonard. Investigative reporter Pablo Torre revealed his findings from his investigation into Leonard, prompting the NBA to launch an internal investigation into the Clippers.

Green responded to the NBA’s punishment of the Clippers on “The Draymond Green Show.”

“Five first-round picks — that includes the picks the Clippers just got from Cleveland in the Darius Garland and James Harden trade. That encompasses all the assets they acquired. If I’m not mistaken, it also includes some of the picks from the Zubac trade,” Green said. “That’s the real hit. This is devastating for a team — an organization — especially a team that has just gone through a six- or seven-year period where it felt like it was right on the verge of a championship.”

“Now, you have to start over — you just got a top-five pick in Keaton Wagler. All of a sudden, you have to rebuild with five first-round picks. This could leave the Clippers stuck in a difficult position for a long time in the future.”

Draymond Green believes Kawhi Leonard’s failure to fulfill an endorsement contract brought additional pressure on the Clippers and their players, putting them in a difficult situation ahead of the 2026-27 season.

“It makes you wonder, players like Darius Garland — how are they viewing their situation now? A coach like Tyronn Lue, how is he viewing his situation now? There is no doubt this will bring a negative impact to the atmosphere around the Clippers,” Green added.

The Clippers will begin their preseason schedule on October 4 by hosting Green’s Warriors.