Kawhi Leonard’s off‑court drama centers on a $28M endorsement tied to a bankrupt tree‑planting outfit funded by Steve Ballmer, allegedly used to sidestep the salary cap. The Clippers’ move could invite league penalties and roil future payroll plans, complicating roster construction in the near term. The talk also points to Lakers’ potential chatter and a broader pattern of gray‑area tactics across the NBA, underscoring why fantasy players should watch how the league enforces rules and how cap enforcement could shift minutes and opportunities on the Clippers and beyond.

For fantasy managers, the key takeaway is risk management. If penalties limit cap space or trigger roster churn, secondary contributors on the Clippers and surrounding teams may gain or lose value quickly. Stay nimble in drafts and be ready to pivot when the league hands down concrete punishment or clarifies rules going forward.

The Cavaliers project a clearer path to the Finals through Mobley’s growth and a healthier, deeper core, while the Clippers lean into depth and frontcourt versatility to stay dangerous even if senior stars miss time. Chicago eyes a youth surge from Buzelis and Asen, and Portland bets on development over immediate glory with Scoot Henderson anchoring a defensive-minded, lottery-driven rebuild. Across the league, stars like Durant and Edwards highlight how star power still shapes playoff odds.

Oklahoma City remains No. 1 in the West thanks to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s peak-level play and J-Dub’s (Jalen Williams) continued ascent, with Chet Holmgren providing versatility and depth. Denver counters with Jokic, Murray and Porter Jr. anchoring a seasoned core expected to push the Thunder in a playoff-macing clash. Houston’s ceiling rises with Durant’s scoring savviness and a growing young core, while L.A. Clippers showcase a formidable two-way floor with Beal, Harden and Dunn anchoring a staunch defense.

Minnesota emphasizes Edwards’ MVP trajectory and a resilient, playoff-tested framework; the Lakers, Warriors, and Spurs add layers of veteran grit and rookie intrigue (Wembanyama) to a stacked landscape. Portland’s defense and Scoot Henderson figure to push teams, while Memphis, Sacramento, New Orleans, Phoenix and Utah promise high-impact regular-season battles.