5 Biggest Fines in NBA History

The basketball world is abuzz following Game 3 of the NBA Finals, which saw the Steph Curry-led Warriors lose to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, the Raps' strong showing is taking a backseat in conversation, due to Warriors minority owner Mark Stevens shoving Kyle Lowry after the Raptors guard dove into the stands in pursuit of a loose ball.

As a result of his actions, Stevens received a one-year ban and a $500,000 fine. So, where does that rank among the largest fines in NBA history? Here's the five heftiest fines ever issued by the NBA.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves (2000)- $3.5 million

The Minnesota Timberwolves hold rank for the largest fine in NBA history, and it will be hard to top. Flip Saunders' T-Wolves were fined $3.5 million for agreeing to an under-the-table deal with Joe Smith, in order to remain below the salary cap. The league found out, and they laid down the law.

2. Donald Sterling (2014) - $2.5 Million

Nobody had a fall from grace quite like ex-Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling. His mistress, V. Stiviano, gave audio recordings to TMZ which featured Sterling uttering racist remarks. As a result, NBA commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling for life, while fining him $2.5 million.

3. Mark Cuban (2018) - $600K

The NBA made frequent calls to Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban throughout his tenure. But none was as pricey as his fine a season ago. While appearing on NBA legend Julius Irving's podcast, Cuban revealed he dined with members of the Mavericks where he told them tanking was the team's best option. Adam Silver got wind of this, and sent a $600,000 fine Cuban's way.

4. Mickey Arison (2011) - $500K

Fined for tweeting? That's what happened to Miami Heat owner Mickey Arison back in 2011. Once the NBA and NBAPA had failed labor negotiation, a fan tweeted his disgust towards Arison, who replied by essentially saying it wasn't his fault. As a result, former commissioner David Stern fined him $500,000.

5. Vladimir Radmanovic (2007) - $500K

Snowboarding? Yes, snowboarding. Vladimir Radmanovic was fined $500,000 by the Los Angeles Lakers for violating the terms of his contract, as he suffered a separated shoulder while on the slopes. However, the fine was really a result of Radmanovic not being forthcoming to the Lakers about the cause of his injury, spinning the story that he slipped on a patch of ice while walking.