The Los Angeles Clippers have announced a contract extension with star player Kawhi Leonard, following an impressively strong start to the 2023-2024 NBA season.
Reportedly, Kawhi Leonard's new contract is a three-year, $152.4 million extension with no player option. This fully guaranteed extension ensures that Kawhi Leonard will continue playing for L.A. until 2027.
Eligible for an extension since July of last year, doubts emerged after last season's first-round exit to the Phoenix Suns and another injury setback for the former NBA Champion, fueling speculation about the Clippers' patience with extending "The Klaw's" contract.
However, since the new season began, Kawhi Leonard has been instrumental in the Clippers' success, solidifying his status as one of the NBA's top 75 players in history. Since December, the franchise has won 13 games with Kawhi healthy, losing only once to the Lakers.
Upon announcing Kawhi's extension, President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank highlighted Leonard's impact since joining in 2018, praising him as "an elite player, a terrific partner, and a relentless worker who knows how to win and makes it his first priority."
The Clippers currently hold fourth place in the Western Conference standings, trailing the Minnesota Timberwolves by three games. In 32 matches this season, Leonard has missed only four, averaging 24 points per game with a 52% field goal and 43% three-point accuracy. Defensively, he has showcased his high understanding of the game, averaging 1.8 steals and almost a block per game.
The new contract extension includes an $8.5 million pay cut taken by Kawhi Leonard, likely aiding ongoing negotiations with Paul George for a potential extension, as talks are still in progress.
Looking ahead, the Los Angeles Clippers will face the Toronto Raptors tonight. Fresh off a controversial defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Raptors present an opportunity for the Clippers to celebrate Kawhi Leonard's contract extension with a victory against the 2019 NBA Champions.