The 2x NBA Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard who was one of the biggest names in the 2024 free agency trade has signed an extension with the Los Angeles Clippers. It is official as the Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank, made this announcement on social media. This has been a big revelation for the Clippers as Leonard was one of their cornerstones and his partnership with Paul George is exceptional.
However, with this new contract, how much will the 2x NBA champion earn per season?
Kawhi Leonard’s deal is minting him money
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The 32-year-old forward had a $48.8 million option for the 2024-25 season, the last year of a four-year, $176.3 million agreement he signed in 2021. While there was curiosity about Leonard’s upcoming free agency, his choice to extend his contract with the Clippers demonstrates a common dedication toward their quest for an NBA title. So, now he signed a three-year $152.4 million extension which keeps him with the Clippers till the 2026-2027 season, with no player option.
Deal includes $52M in first year and approximately $50M a season over the next two years, sources tell ESPN. No player option https://t.co/YaaheSEAeB
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 10, 2024
With this new contract in place, Leonard will be earning a salary of $52 million in his first year. And for the next 2 years, he will earn approximately $50 million over that so he will be earning about $152 million by his final year as a salary. Hence, with this agreement not only has the core team of the LA Clippers gotten stronger, but it has also answered all their probable offseason roster change concerns.
And given that the Clippers are low on draft money and the ownership has refused to do a full-scale rebuild, the choice to re-sign Leonard fits with the team’s overall plan. This move assures the team’s competitiveness and also makes a powerful lineup. While there are a lot of doubts about the fitness of the 5x All-Star, the Clippers looked past all of that and focused on providing stability and leadership for their team.
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How has Leonard performed this season?
Kawhi Leonard’s performance this season has been amazing as he has been able to show his skills on both sides of the court. Being an offensive powerhouse for his team, he is averaging an amazing 23.8 points per game. He even managed to get 6.1 rebounds per game showcasing his flexibility on the court. Even defensively, Leonard contributes to the team and earns about 1.8 steals per game.
Read More: Clippers HC Justifies Baffling Kawhi Leonard Decision as Lakers End Losing Streak: “That’s On Me”
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However what separates Leonard is not just his scoring and defensive abilities, but also his free-throw efficiency. With an impressive 87.1 percent free-throw shooting percentage, he demonstrates consistency in important situations, adding to his team’s success. So, if Kawhi Leonard stays healthy, he can be a lethal player who is able to contribute wherever his team needs him making him a true all-round force on the court.
Watch this Story: Kawhi Leonard Disregards Career-Best Stretch for Bigger Picture