Kawhi Leonard will remain with the LA Clippers long term after re-signing with the team Thursday on a four-year, $176.3 million max contract.
The deal includes a player option in the fourth year.
Leonard had previously declined his player option for $36 million this coming season to become a free agent. He told the team last Friday that he was returning to the Clippers, who finalized the deal nearly a week later.
“Kawhi is a transcendent player and a relentless worker who improves himself every day,” said Lawrence Frank, the team’s president of basketball operations, in a statement. “We share many of the same goals, which include a long-term relationship. This agreement marks another important moment for our franchise and our fans, as we strive to create a championship-caliber organization, where players find the success and fulfillment they seek. We’re eager to continue building with Kawhi.”
I'm 99% sure Kawhi Leonard signing a 4-year deal with the Clippers won't stop people from saying each off-season that the Mavericks or Knicks have a chance at signing him.
— Cinnabod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) August 12, 2021