LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 06: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers handles the ball defended by Norman Powell #24 of the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on April 06, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
With Kawhi Leonard having the chance to opt out this season, it’s looking like the LA Clippers will be ready to prevent him from entering free agency.
While the LA Clippers are focused on trying to bring home an NBA title this spring, that doesn’t mean they’re not looking toward the future either. With star small forward Kawhi Leonard, there sure are plenty of question marks regarding his future with the organization.
That’s because Leonard has a clause in his contract that would allow him to opt out following the 2020-21 campaign. Should he do this, he’d enter free agency and have a boatload of suitors. Per The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the expectation, though, is that LA will re-sign him.
The Clippers appear to be in prime position to retain Kawhi Leonard
In his recent piece for The Athletic, Amick wrote that barring a dramatic turn of events, Leonard is still “widely” expected to re-sign with the Clippers, according to team sources and rival executives.
Amick went on to say that should something drastic happen and the Clippers somehow implode again in the postseason, this could change Leonard’s mind. From the looks of things, however, Leonard couldn’t be happier with the team and organization, especially after it locked in Paul George with a contract extension and added another playmaker at the trade deadline in Rajon Rondo.
Because of this, it could lead to an easy decision for him to not only return to the team next season but to also work a new monster deal. Clippers fans of course want him to stay, as the former NBA Finals champ is without question among the best players in the game. We’ll find out soon enough what the future has in store for Leonard.