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Silver: NBA 'looked at precedent' before issuing Clips' penalties
Confirmed
In Short: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver discussed the recent penalties imposed on the Los Angeles Clippers and future league expansion plans.
Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner, addressed the media following the league's board of governors meetings in New York City, focusing on the recent punishment handed down to the Los Angeles Clippers. Silver stated, "I don't think in any way we've done permanent damage to this franchise, but there's no question this is a setback for the team." The league looked at precedent before issuing the penalties, drawing a parallel to the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were once docked five picks for similar violations.
Silver also addressed the future of the Portland Trail Blazers, stating his hope and belief that an arena agreement will be reached to ensure the team remains in Portland. Additionally, the NBA is in the process of interviewing search firms to find a successor to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who plans to retire at the end of the year.
Silver acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, saying, "The decision was difficult because of its impact on fans." Despite the setback, Silver remains optimistic about the league's future, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a competitive and fair system for all teams.
What's confirmed
- "I don't think in any way we've done permanent damage to this franchise, but there's no question this is a setback for the team," Silver said.
- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says the league looked at precedent before taking away five first-round draft picks from the Los Angeles Clippers for circumventing salary cap rules.
- Silver pointed to a precedent with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were once docked five picks for similar violations.
- Read more Dardanelle Middle School honor roll FILE - Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer sits on the sideline before an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls on March 13, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif.
- He spoke Tuesday at the end of a two-day Board of Governors meeting.
- He acknowledged the decision was difficult because of its impact on fans.
What's still developing
- Silver said he spent a "significant amount of time" during this week's meetings with Dundon.
- "It's my hope that we can lower the temperature, honestly, a bit in these negotiations," Silver said.
- "The point was to design a system, I'm not embarrassed to say more NFL -like, where every team was put in a position, where regardless of market size, they could compete for championships," Silver said.
- Ballmer said this weekend that he would accept the penalties and that the fine had been paid.
- “Aside from that, I appreciate the fact that he has stood down, that he did apologize and is accepting responsibility," Silver said.
- Silver said the owners focused more on Las Vegas than Seattle when discussing potential expansion to 32 teams, because there are more unknowns when it comes to the Las Vegas bids.
- “Therefore, it’s a much longer timeline before we can throw the ball up for NBA basketball,” Silver said.
- Taber Extrusions held a grand opening for its new facility expansion in Russellville, Arkansas, on Tuesday, Sept.