Clippers star Kawhi Leonard signs three-year extension deal

Kawhi talks about his new contract extension after he scores 29 Pts lead Clippers beat Raptors

Kawhi Leonard, the two-time NBA Finals MVP, has agreed to an extended deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. The extension spans over three years and is worth $152.4 million, making Leonard one of the highest-paid players in the league.

Leonard, who is averaging 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game in the 2023/24 season, will now be under contract with the Clippers through the 2026/27 season.

The extension comes as no surprise, as Leonard had until June 30 to decide on a $48.8 million player option for the 2024/25 season or decline it to become an unrestricted free agent.

A valuable asset

Leonard’s injury history and concerns about his availability have been factors in negotiations, but his consistently elite play when healthy has made him a valuable asset to the Clippers.

The Clippers have struggled at times this season to integrate James Harden after acquiring him in November last year, but Leonard’s presence on the court has helped stabilize the team and lift them into fourth place in the Western Conference standings.

Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank remarked that the team is delighted to continue working with Kawhi. “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,” he said.

“He elevated our franchise from the moment he arrived. We feel fortunate that Kawhi chose to join the Clippers five years ago, and excited to keep building with him.”

Concurrent extension

Paul George, who is also eligible for a contract extension this offseason, has reportedly been in extension talks with the team as well, as per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. George, who is paid $45.6 million this year, is offered $48.7 million for next season.

With Leonard under contract for the long term, the Clippers are hopeful that they can continue to build around him and George as they pursue another NBA championship.

The Clippers are expecting to secure the two stars’ long-term future as they prepare to move into their new Intuit Dome arena in Inglewood later this year.