The new contract for Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is for four years and $176.3 million, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Leonard, 30, agreed to terms Thursday that are likely to keep him in LA for the long term. The fourth year of the deal is reportedly includes a player option.
“When Leonard declined his $36 million option to enter free agency, it was expected that he would remain with the Clippers paired with Paul George,” wrote Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. “George joined Leonard in LA two summers ago and signed a maximum contract extension before the 2020-21 season.”
The Clippers advanced to the Western Conference finals, but Leonard missed the final eight games of the playoffs after suffering a partially torn ACL. He is expected to miss a “substantial” portion of the 2021-22 season, Haynes noted.
Appearing in 52 games last season, Leonard was his same old superstar self — averaging 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists. He also shot 51 percent from the field and 39 percent on 3-pointers.
He has twice been named Finals MVP.
Along with the returns of Leonard, George, guard Reggie Jackson and guard/forward Nicolas Batum, the Clippers added guard/forward Justise Winslow in free agency and guards Keon Johnson, Jason Preston and Brandon Boston in the draft.
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