The Los Angeles Clippers have extended the contract with their superstar Kawhi Leonard. The 32-year-old is set to earn over 150 million US dollars over the next three years
Kawhi Leonard has been playing in California since 2019 – and remains loyal to the Clippers. On Wednesday evening, the club announced the contract extension with the 32-year-old forward.
ESPN reports three more years and a total sum of around 153 million US dollars. According to the report, Leonard will receive 52 million in the first year and around 50 million per season over the next two years. The extension does not include a player option. The Clippers themselves did not disclose the terms.
“We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Kawhi. He is a top player, a great partner and a tireless worker who knows how to win and makes that his top priority,” said Clippers President Lawrence Frank.
Leonard has elevated the franchise from the moment he arrived, Frank said. “We consider ourselves fortunate that Kawhi chose the Clippers five years ago and look forward to continuing to build something with him.” Leonard joined the Clippers as a two-time NBA champion (2014 with San Antonio and 2019 with Toronto), but has not yet been able to lead the franchise to the title they hoped for.
Leonard is a two-time Finals MVP (2014, 2019) and five-time All-Star (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021). In his career, he has played 660 games in 12 NBA seasons for the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors and L.A. Clippers, averaging 19.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals.
According to ESPN, the Clippers are also in talks with Paul George about a contract extension, who is the second top star in the team alongside Leonard. The 33-year-old had already announced years ago that he wanted to end his career with the Clippers.
