The Los Angeles Clippers have signed forward Kawhi Leonard to a contract extension worth a whopping $153 million over the next three seasons, according to multiple reports.
The Clippers then announced the deal on Wednesday, but the terms of Leonard's extension were not disclosed.
Leonard is owed $48.8 million for the 2024-25 NBA season, the final year of the four-year, $176.3 million extension he signed with the Clippers in 2021.
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Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers warms up before a game against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on November 17, 2023 in Los Angeles. (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
According to ESPN, the salary structure of this contract extension will give Leonard a hefty $52 million in compensation in the first year, with him receiving an estimated $50 million per season for the remaining two years.
Fellow All-Star Paul George is also reportedly in contract talks with the Clippers, so this is just one contract extension the Clippers could pursue. ESPN added that the team hopes to have not only Leonard but also George on board long-term.
Once one is complete, another can quickly follow.
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Leonard averaged 23.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game this season, and was very efficient, shooting 51.6 percent from the field (including 43 percent from 3-point range). The Clippers got off to a slow start, but the rest of the roster, including Leonard, George and James Harden, picked up momentum and won 20 of their last 26 games.
Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers speaks to the media after an NBA playoff game against the Suns at Footprint Center in Phoenix on April 16, 2023. (Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Clippers currently own the fourth seed in the Western Conference and could move up even further if their production continues in this direction.
Leonard, 32, is one of the best two-way players in the NBA and a cornerstone player for any franchise that has him on the roster. He has enjoyed his time with the Clippers since joining them during the 2019-2020 season.
Although he had to miss the 2021-22 season due to a torn ACL, Leonard has averaged 25.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists since joining the Clippers.
The main concern for Leonard going forward is his health, as there will be no lack of production while he is on the floor. As ESPN points out, Leonard has played in 27 consecutive games since the start of the season, the most since 2016-2017, when he played for the San Antonio Spurs.
Kawhi Leonard of the LA Clippers shoots a free throw during the NBA playoffs at Footprint Center in Phoenix on April 16, 2023. (Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
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The two-time NBA champion is looking to win another ring with a third different franchise, and the Clippers will ensure they have talent around him to help their cause now and in the future. right.
