Two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard has signed a staggering three-year, $153 million contract extension to stay with the Los Angeles Clippers, as per sources from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Clippers formally declared the deal on Wednesday, however, the terms were not disclosed.
Lawrence Frank, the Clippers’ president of basketball operations, expressed delight about the extension, saying, “We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with Kawhi. He is an elite player, a terrific partner, and a relentless worker who knows how to win and makes it his first priority.”
The extension secures Leonard’s presence as the Clippers transition into their new Intuit Dome next season. This move solidifies the Clippers’ future, ensuring that they will have their franchise star at the helm as they take on new challenges in the upcoming seasons.
The signing also impacts the Philadelphia 76ers, as one of their potential free-agent targets, Kawhi Leonard, is now off the market. The signing puts the Sixers in a unique position for a championship contender, as they had high hopes of acquiring Leonard in the off-season. However, with Leonard committing to the Clippers, the Sixers will now have to shift their focus to other potential targets as they look to strengthen their roster.
Leonard’s extension with the Clippers comes with an eye-watering paycheck, as he is set to receive $52 million in the first year and approximately $50 million per season over the next two years. The deal, which does not include a player option, ensures that Leonard is under contract with the Clippers through the 2026-27 season.
While the contract extension solidifies Leonard’s future with the Clippers, the structure of the deal is also notable, as it is less than what Leonard was eligible to receive in terms of both years and annual salary. This potentially reflects Leonard’s commitment to the Clippers and his willingness to work within the team’s financial framework to build a competitive roster.
The extension marks a significant milestone for the Clippers, securing one of the top talents in the NBA and underlining their commitment to building a formidable team for the future. With Leonard’s presence secured, the Clippers can now focus on their continued growth and development both on and off the court, as they strive for success in the seasons ahead.
