When it was reported that Kawhi Leonard was going to return to the Los Angeles Clippers, there was some speculation on what sort of deal he would sign. Many talked about the potential of a short-term deal with the ability to hit free agency once again next season. However, it seems as though Kawhi Leonard has decided to commit to the Los Angeles Lakers for the long term.
Chris Haynes has recently reported that Kawhi Leonard would be signing a new 4-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. Shams Charania later reported that the sum of the contract would total $176.3 million.
BREAKING: All-NBA star Kawhi Leonard and Los Angeles Clippers have reached agreement and he has signed a new four-year contract that includes a player option, solidifying the star’s future with the team, league sources tell @YahooSports. https://t.co/Cjq5MfX1pF
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 12, 2021
Source: Kawhi Leonard is signing a four-year, $176.3 million deal to return to the Los Angeles Clippers.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 12, 2021
Kawhi Leonard signed a new four-year contract with the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, including a player option, solidifying the star’s future with the team, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
The five-time All-Star forward decided to return to his hometown team last week. Over two seasons in Los Angeles, Leonard averaged 26 points, 6.8 rebounds and five assists per game.
When Leonard declined his $36 million option to enter free agency, it was expected that he would remain with the Clippers paired with Paul George. George joined Leonard in LA two summers ago and signed a maximum contract extension before the 2020-21 season.
Also in free agency, Los Angeles re-signed guard Reggie Jackson and signed forward Justise Winslow. Forward Nicolas Batum also is expected to re-sign with the team.
Kawhi Leonard re-signing with the team is certainly good news for the Clippers’ faithful, as losing a player of Kawhi Leonard’s caliber would be a tough blow to any team. While Leonard will likely be out most of next season due to an ACL injury, it is likely that the Los Angeles Lakers will be contenders once again when he’s fully healthy.
