Kawhi Leonard will remain with the Los Angeles Clippers for the foreseeable future after signing a contract extension with the franchise yesterday. Kawhi signed a three-year, $153 million extension to continue his journey of bringing the Clippers a championship. He explained his decision to sign a three-year deal in his first press conference after signing the new contract.
“It’s just what it is. I think at that point I’m gonna be 35, so I gotta see how I’m playing at that age. So I guess that’s the number.”
“It's just what it is. I think at that point I'm gonna 35, so I gotta see how I'm playing at that age. So I guess that's the number.”
Kawhi Leonard on why he signed a contract extension with Clippers for 3 years.
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/OnrooJCp11
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 11, 2024
The Clippers will pay Kawhi $52 million next season as part of his new contract, with a total of $100 million in the two years after that. If Leonard hadn’t extended this season, he would have had a player option for $48 million at the end of this season. He’s averaging 24.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists this season.
Kawhi is also looking forward to seeing his co-stars Paul George and James Harden be next in line for extensions of their own.
“I think for the most part, everybody is coming back, so with me signing the extension, it gives us a chance to sign both players.”
“I think for the most part, everybody is coming back, so with me signing the extension, it gives us a chance to sign both players.”
Kawhi Leonard on his extension impacting Paul George and James Harden’s futures.
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— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 11, 2024
Both George and Harden also have the option to become free agents in the summer. Extensions could be in the works for both players, especially with Kawhi implying his deal allowed room to be left for both of his star teammates to return to the franchise.
Paul George And James Harden Looking For New Deals
Paul George reacted to Kawhi’s deal while speaking to the media and revealed he’s optimistic about re-signing with the Clippers.
“Yeah, I mean, absolutely. You secure and lock in Kawhi. Definitely leaves the door open for myself, but very, very optimistic something will get done on my behalf, as well.”
"Yeah, I mean, absolutely. You secure and lock in Kawhi. Definitely leaves the door open for myself, but very, very optimistic something will get done on my behalf, as well."
Paul George on his optimism that he'll reach an extension with Clippers.
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/u9bCfWX4EX
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 11, 2024
George has been integral to the Clippers’ success this season, averaging 23.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists as one of the team’s most reliable options. Clippers GM Lawrence Frank also indicated optimism for a new deal for George coming up next.
“We want Paul [George] to be a Clipper and we’re hopeful.”
"We want Paul to be a Clipper and we're hopeful," Lawrence Frank said of PG's extension talks.
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) January 11, 2024
George and Kawhi have been a part of the Clippers since 2019 and are the two pillars the franchise has been building around. James Harden is the latest addition, but his contract future isn’t as guaranteed as Kawhi and George.
Harden has been great in his stint with the Clippers, averaging 17.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.4 assists, and transforming the team into one of the best in the NBA after a slow start. He left the 76ers because he didn’t trust Daryl Morey to give him a max contract. If he wants one from the Clippers, he’ll have to earn it on the court.
Russell Westbrook won’t be in line for a major contract extension, but if the Clippers lock up their core trio with everyone sacrificing some money, there may be enough to keep Westbrook as well. Leonard didn’t sign a full max contract, indicating his desire for the Clippers to keep the roster around him together as well. With the new NBA luxury tax implications, the Clippers won’t operate with an open checkbook anymore.
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