Kawhi Leonard Called Out for $8.5 Million Loss in Whopping Clippers Contract Extension

It has been 5 years since Kawhi Leonard brought his talents to LA and signed with the Clippers. The Clipper nation had high expectations from the 2-time Champion following his historic run with the Toronto Raptors. But Kawhi’s tenure in LA has not panned out how fans imagined. However, that did not stop the Clippers from securing Kawhi Leonard’s services for three more years.

The superstar signed a massive contract extension with the Clippers that cost him $8.5 million. Kawhi Leonard was called out by NBA legend Gilbert Arenas for leaving a hefty amount on the table.

Gilbert Arenas reacts to Kawhi Leonard’s contract extension

Kawhi Leonard signed a 3-year $152.4 million contract extension with the Clippers this week. He had a player option for next year but decided to solidify himself as a Clippers star anyway. The decision might have cost Kawhi $8.5 million, which he could have made if he got a supermax contract as a free agent. NBA legend Gilbert Arenas called out the 2-time Champion for his loss on Gil’s Arena podcast. “If he opted out, he has 8 more million to gain. That’s why most players opt out of their deal and go as free agents so they can sign their max,” Arenas said.

Gilbert Arenas also revealed what he thought about the Clippers after the Kawhi extension, “They still gotta keep trying to go for that invisible Championship that they want.” The Clippers have failed to reach the NBA Finals even once during the Kawhi Leonard era, and are infamously one of the five NBA teams to never reach an NBA Finals.

The 2-time Finals MVP has been injured for most of his Clippers’ tenure, causing him to miss games during the most crucial parts of the season.

Read More: How Much From $152,400,000 Extension Will Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard Earn Each Season?

Can Kawhi Leonard finally win a ring with the Clippers?

This season is the first time in 5 years that Kawhi Leonard has been fully healthy for the LA Clippers. He has also teamed up with 3 future Hall of Famers, Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook. This might be the best team Kawhi has had in years. If he is unable to win a championship with the Clippers this season, he will have to face a lot of criticism. The Clippers have been in top form recently. They are 4th in the Western Conference standings with a 23-13 record.

All of their superstars have been in elite form. Kawhi is averaging 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals. This year might be Kawhi Leonard and Co’s best chance to win a title. A championship with the Clippers will also make Kawhi one of the few players to win a Championship with three different teams.

Can the Klaw finally get the Clippers over the hump and lead them to their first title in franchise history?

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