From the 2015–16 season through 2024–25, NBA players were fined millions of dollars and lost hundreds of games to suspension. Technical fouls, ejections, off-court issues and on-court scuffles all contributed to the numbers.
Using Spotrac's NBA Fines & Suspensions database, we ranked every franchise by a Fines & Suspensions Index, which combines fines, fine totals, suspensions and games lost. The results reveal which teams have what could be called the "dirtiest" reputation over the last decade, and which have stayed relatively spotless.
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The Usual Suspects
No. 1: 
Miami Heat
With 295 fines and 43 games lost, Miami surprisingly led the pack in the NBA over the last 10 years. Their reputation for physical, gritty play clearly came at a price.
No. 2: 
Brooklyn Nets
While suspensions were limited, Brooklyn's massive $16.3 million in fines, driven by stars like Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons, pushed them near the top. Both star players were in unusual situations, especially Irving, so the Nets might get a bit of a pass here.
No. 3: 
Memphis Grizzlies
A mix of on-court physicality and Ja Morant's off-court suspensions fueled their standing. Morant definitely tilted the scales for the Grizzlies, which is unfortunate for Memphis in this ranking.
No. 4: 
Golden State Warriors
Draymond Green's long history of technicals and flagrant fouls helped the Warriors earn nearly 500 fines. Much like Morant with Memphis, Green did Golden State no favors with his inability to control his emotions and physical style on the basketball court. Still, NBA betting sites rarely underestimate Green and the Warriors come playoff time.
The Cleanest 5 Teams
No. 27: 
San Antonio Spurs
With just 155 fines and only six games suspended in a decade, San Antonio reaffirmed its reputation for discipline. There's a good chance Gregg Popovich had a significant impact on where the Spurs landed on this list, as few players have crossed paths with the legendary head coach before he recently stepped away from the game due to health issues.
No. 26: 
Denver Nuggets
Even through a championship run, Denver mainly stayed disciplined, losing just three games to suspension. Nikola Jokic and company have been squeaky clean over the past decade, and that doesn't look like it will change anytime soon.
No. 27-28 
Chicago Bulls & 
Indiana Pacers
Both franchises stayed near the bottom thanks to low totals across the board. The Bulls and Pacers don't make much noise these days, with Indiana learning its lesson from the Malace in the Palace back in 2004, which changed the NBA forever when it comes to how players are punished for their actions on the court.
Stars Driving the Numbers
Certain players defined this era of fines and suspensions:
Ben Simmons: 82 fines totaling $17 million, the most in the NBA. Simmons went from being one of the best two-way players in the league while playing alongside superstar Joel Embiid to a player that teams no longer want to deal with due to his decline in play and inability to stay healthy.
Kyrie Irving: Close behind at $15.6 million in fines across 69 infractions. Irving became one of the most controversial figures in professional sports during the pandemic, which proved costly to both his bank account and his reputation.
Draymond Green: A league-high 203 fines, though for "only" $948,000 in penalties. Green has been his own worst enemy over the past decade, as he is about as unpredictable as they come in the league today. He's basically a modern-day Ron Artest, who was incredibly talented, but never really put it together until he changed his name to Metta World Peace and joined forces with longtime rival Kobe Bryant on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bobby Portis & Ja Morant: Each lost 33 games to suspension, tied for the most among active players. Portis really shouldn't be put in the same category as Morant, who has taken an auspicious career as one of the best young players in the league, to a player with an uncertain future if he can't show some maturity off the floor.
What Gets Players Punished?
Technical fouls led the way, with over 8,600 infractions in 10 years. Ejections (617) and fighting (54) were also common. Off-court violations (118 fines, 17 suspensions) showed how league discipline extended beyond the hardwood.
Takeaways
The numbers make clear that:
Stars matter most: One or two players can dramatically alter a franchise's standing.
It's evident that culture is contagious in the NBA: Teams with strong leadership, such as the Spurs, Nuggets and Bucks, have managed to stay disciplined, reinforcing the influence of leadership in a team's conduct.
The NBA isn't messing around: Off-court suspensions and heavier penalties reflect the league's unwavering commitment to maintaining a positive image and ensuring player safety. This focus has shaped the league's discipline over the years.
Final Word
From 2015 to 2025, fines and suspensions shaped both reputations and results. Discipline may not always win games, but it does leave a mark on how teams and players are remembered.
