NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the league looked at precedent before taking away five first-round draft picks from the Los Angeles Clippers for circumventing salary cap rules, though noted the decision was difficult because of the impact on fans.

Silver pointed to the Minnesota Timberwolves being docked five picks for cap circumvention as precedent. He said he doesn't believe the loss of picks will lead to "permanent damage" but called it a major setback.

"While there have to be competitive consequences... we still want to be a 30-team league and we recognize that in some ways we're unfortunately punishing the fans of that team as well," Silver said.

The Clippers were found to have circumvented salary cap rules on Kawhi Leonard's behalf. The NBA suspended owner Steve Ballmer for one year, fined the team $30 million and forced it to forfeit five first-round draft picks.

The trade sending Leonard back to Toronto was completed Monday. Ballmer said he would accept the penalties and the fine has been paid. The Clippers were not represented at the board meeting as they seek an interim governor.