Adam Silver and the NBA dropped the hammer on the LA Clippers, Steve Ballmer and Dennis “Uncle Dennis” Robertson after an investigation into allegations of cap circumvention regarding Kawhi Leonard. As first reported by Pablo Torre on his podcast, “Pablo Torre Finds Out,” the Clippers were accused of using external companies to funnel money to Leonard during parts of his tenure with the franchise, circumventing the salary cap and limits to what the team could pay him.Nearly one year after launching the investigation, the NBA concluded that the Clippers violated league rules by facilitating endorsement deals for Leonard with four companies (Aspiration, Boingo Wireless, Daktronics and Lockton Insurance). The NBA levied the biggest team fine in league history ($30 million), suspended multiple Clippers executives, stripped the team of five first-round picks and fined Leonard $700,000.It harkens back to the late 1990s when the Minnesota Timberwolves were punished for circumventing the salary cap for Joe Smith. The Clippers were hit with about the same level of punishment, although Leonard received a very different punishment than Smith did.The Clippers released a statement that said they “vehemently reject the NBA’s findings” in the investigation. They also said, “We intend to vigorously challenge these findings and penalties through every avenue available to us and look forward to an ethical and impartial arbitration process.” There is no appeal or arbitration process for the Clippers, according to a source with knowledge of the league’s rules who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the ruling.For now, here’s what you need to know about each part of the penalty from this investigation:The Kawhi Saga: What the NBA's investigation into the Clippers revealedMike Vorkunov and Jeshua KiddFirst-round draft picks stripped in 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032 and 2033This is the most severe punishment for the Clippers. Stripping a team of first-round picks is the biggest way to affect its future and how it builds a roster, especially in today’s era of first- and second-apron penalties.