NBA: Clippers fans celebrate great Kahwi Leonard contract news
Los Angeles, California - One of the NBA’s most valuable players is getting what he's worth in a new deal that will keep him with the Los Angeles Clippers until 2025.
In an off-season where several NBA superstars have been signing monster deals, NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard (30) just agreed to a considerable payday of his own, signing a hefty four-year deal with the Clippers for just over $176 million.
The news of the deal was first released by the Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank, while the contract details were first reported by Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.
"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," Frank said in his official statement.
The two-time NBA Finals MVP’s future in LA was up in the air after last season came to an uncomfortable early end, stepping away from his team in the middle of the playoffs with an ACL tear in his right knee.
He recently declined a player option for an additional year with the Clippers, to opt for free agency, but the number ended being better for him with this new deal for him to remain in LA.
The team also re-signed guard Reggie Jackson and forward Nicholas Batum, who's fresh off of a silver medal as part of the French National Team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. These two additional deals signal a movement towards building off the historically successful season they had last year.
The team achieved a new milestone this past postseason as they reached their first Western Conference Finals in their history before falling to the Phoenix Suns in six games.
Cover photo: IMAGO / Icon SMI