The NBA announced on Tuesday that it fined the Clippers $250,000 for violating rules that prohibit teams from offering players unauthorized business or investment opportunities. The league alleged that the Clippers’ presentation to Jordan on July 2 included a potential third-party endorsement opportunity.
The NBA determined in its investigation that this aspect of the Clippers’ presentation had no impact on Jordan’s decision to re-sign with the Clippers. But that did not stop the NBA from issuing a fine. The NBA’s anti-circumvention rules prohibits teams from providing any compensation for a player unless it is included in the player’s contract.