Kawhi Leonard to leave the Clippers? Extending superstar’s contract ‘NOT PRIORITY’ for team
Kawhi Leonard's future with the Los Angeles Clippers remains uncertain.
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Kawhi Leonard (Ben Margot/AP)
Despite being a great player, Kawhi Leonard’s career has been impacted by injuries, which have kept him under the radar and caused him to miss significant parts of his playing time. As the new season approaches, the Clippers faced a crucial decision regarding Leonard’s contract. Although he is eligible to sign an extension with the team, Leonard has not done so yet, leaving fans in suspense about his future with the Clippers.
According to Zach Lowe of ESPN in a new edition of his podcast The Lowe Post, there is no imminent decision expected regarding Leonard’s contract situation anytime soon.” I hear it’s kind of quiet right now…There is no rush on an extension for Kawhi Leonard,” he said. Leonard’s ongoing battle with injuries has been painfully evident, as he was only able to play in two games against the Phoenix Suns during the 2023 playoffs.
Kawhi Leonard displayed exceptional performance during the 2023 playoffs, averaging an impressive 34.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6 assists in just two games. However, his recurring injury risk has become a major concern for the Clippers, leading them to be cautious about relying on him consistently. With Leonard having a player option worth $48.4 million in the 2024-25 season, his potential departure could leave the Clippers facing the daunting task of rebuilding their team.
Clippers’ future with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George: What’s on the horizon?
The Clippers, once known for their extravagant spending in the NBA, have now adapted their strategies due to new rules. Despite this shift, star players like James Harden have expressed their desire to play for the team. Meanwhile, Damian Lillard has shown interest in joining the Miami Heat. With these intriguing player interests on the horizon, could there be a major move brewing behind the scenes for the Clippers?
A potential massive 4-way trade involving the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Portland Trail Blazers is the subject of discussion, as detailed in Greg Swartz’s article for Bleacher Report. The proposed trade scenario would see Damian Lillard joining the Heat, James Harden heading to the Clippers, and Tyler Herro and Kyle Lowry landing with the 76ers and Blazers, respectively, along with a plethora of other players and draft picks. While such a trade might be deemed unlikely, its magnitude would undoubtedly have a profound impact on the NBA, fans, and the involved teams.
Indeed, the Clippers face a challenging decision as they navigate the potential trade scenario involving James Harden and the pursuit of a championship. Keeping all three superstars, Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George, could significantly enhance their title chances in the short term. However, doing so may come at the cost of jeopardizing their future stability, particularly if Kawhi Leonard’s contract remains unextended, leaving the team at risk of losing him in the following season.
This conundrum forces the Clippers to carefully consider their long-term strategy and weigh the benefits of present greatness against the potential consequences of future uncertainty.
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Chinmay Mehta
(83 Articles Published)