Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard. (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
Star forward Kawhi Leonard is signing a massive four-year deal worth $176.3 million to stay with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Kawhi Leonard is staying in Los Angeles with the Clippers.
The free agent forward is set to sign a new four-year deal worth $176.3 million, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The team confirmed the news on Twitter.
Leonard had opted out of his $36 million option to become a free agent. However, there was always a high chance he would stick it out with LA and Paul George.
The question was what kind of contract Leonard and the Clippers would agree on.
Bobby Marks of ESPN broke down the contract on Twitter.
Signing on for four years, with a player option, locks in Leonard’s future with the team as they push for a first NBA title in franchise history.
Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers are locked in for a potential title run
Leonard averaged 24.8 points per game in 2020-21 while leading the Clippers into the playoffs. However, he suffered an ACL injury during the Western Conference semifinals and missed the remainder of the NBA postseason. His absence put the onus on George to carry Los Angeles into the Western Conference Finals. The Suns bested them in that series.
Bringing Leonard and George back while shoring up their supporting cast ensures the Clippers will remain a power in the Western Conference. There is some uncertainty around Leonard’s return, though. He underwent surgery on his ACL and is likely to miss the start of the upcoming season.
Realistically, LA can give Leonard the time he needs to recover while once again leaning on George and the team they’ve compiled. They gave a new deal to Reggie Jackson and are expecting to re-sign Nicolas Batum as well.