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Former Clippers Forward Danilo Gallinari Puts Kawhi Leonard on Blast
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- Former Clippers Forward Danilo Gallinari Puts Kawhi Leonard on Blast
The Los Angeles Clippers have experienced a lot of upheaval in the last few weeks in the wake of the NBA's brutal punishment as a result of the conclusion of the investigation into the Clippers for salary cap circumvention, but considering that the investigation centered around Kawhi Leonard, he escaped the punishment relatively easily.
The basis of the investigation was that Leonard received compensation outside of the NBA salary cap through endorsement deals with Aspiration, a now-defunct green banking company, as well as several other companies, the punishment levied against Leonard seems relatively light.
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While the Clippers suffered the loss of five first-round picks as well as a fine to owner Steve Ballmer and suspensions to several top team personnel, Ballmer included, Leonard was only ordered to pay $700,000 to the league in restitution, a figure that pales in comparison to the $38 million he received in compensation through his endorsement deals.
LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
That fact alone has drawn a severe amount of controversy to the overall punishment that the Clippers received for their role in the salary cap circumvention scheme, but Leonard's impact on the Clippers is far more significant than even drawing the Clippers into such controversy.
Longterm Impacts of Building Around Leonard
When Leonard was first signed to the Clippers in 2019, there was an immediate effort by the Clippers to build around him as the franchise player of the future.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Danilo Gallinari (12) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
The most significant attempt by the Clippers at building around Leonard was a costly trade for Paul George from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019 that involved the Clippers giving up five first-round picks, future two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari for George.
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The cost to their draft capital and the loss of Gilgeous-Alexander would have been enough to leave a sour taste in the Clippers' mouths, but Gallinari himself is still clearly bitter about the circumstances surrounding the trade.
Detroit Pistons forward Danilo Gallinari (12) reacts after a play against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) in the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Gallinari Is Bitter
In a recent interview, Gallinari spoke candidly about his feelings about Leonard and the Clippers and it's clear from his comments that he holds Leonard directly responsible for the impact that the massive trade had on Gallinari's own career.
"He should pay all of that $50 million. He changed the trajectory of my career and put me in a difficult situation by sending me away from Los Angeles ," Gallinari said (via Emilliano Carchia on X) .
Washington Wizards center Mike Muscala (35) makes a pass to Washington Wizards forward Danilo Gallinari (88) against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports
The trade that sent Gallinari to the Thunder did have an adverse affect on his career. After being traded by the Clippers, Gallinari played for five teams in five seasons before ultimately leaving the NBA and heading overseas to continue his professional career.
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While the blame can't be laid entirely on Leonard considering that he didn't have any direct say over the team's decision to sign George or trade Gallinari directly, it's easy to see why Gallinari's anger was placed at Leonard's feet when considering the relatively light punishment he was dealt in the grand scheme of the investigation.
So even if Leonard wasn't the one directly responsible for trading Gallinari or the subsequent derailment of Gallinari's career, he makes for an easy scapegoat.
