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Swanson: As the post-Kawhi Leonard era begins, the Clippers owe more to their fans

The Los Angeles Clippers opened their season with a 121-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings at their new arena. While the team offered incentives like free parking and jersey exchanges to engage supporters, the organization remains under scrutiny due to severe penalties for salary cap circumvention, including the loss of first-round draft picks through 2033 and significant fines.

Owner Steve Ballmer, president of business operations Gillian Zucker, and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank are currently serving suspensions related to these infractions. Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard has returned to the Toronto Raptors on a two-year, $115 million contract extension, leaving behind a frustrated fanbase grappling with the fallout of the team's front-office scandal.

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