USA Today via Reuters
May 28, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) during the first quarter in game three in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 28, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) during the first quarter in game three in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Kawhi Leonard was enjoying his career’s second-best playoff series in 2021 when he injured himself. That misfortune forced his future with the Clippers to take a toss because of all the uncertainties involved.
Ever since The Claw joined the Clippers nation, the team has only seen an upward growth. They went up from a round-1 2019 finish to a trip to the conference semis in 2020. And this year, they were probably just a healthy Kawhi Leonard away from winning their first WC title. So is it that the bond will continue to grow?
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No sign of Kawhi Leonard leaving the Clippers
As per established American Columnist and NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the star forward is not switching boats. The 52-YO revealed that there’s no hint of Kawhi Leonard leaving his current team.
“I’ve gotten NO indication that Kawhi Leonard is interested in doing anything but re-signing with the Clippers.”
– via @wojespn pic.twitter.com/KDeXyoEDdt
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 25, 2021
Kawhi has won titles with both of his last two teams and he has the resources to do it with the Clippers too. In The Claw’s absence because of the Achilles injury during the postseason, Paul George had shown tremendous mettle. While Kawhi averaged 30.4 points in the playoffs 2021, PG added another 26.9 points, easily making them the Top five NBA Duos.
Read more – NBA Rumors: Can the Dallas Mavericks Pair Luka Doncic and Kawhi Leonard in 2021 Free Agency?
What can one expect on the basis of Woj’s comments?
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USA Today via Reuters
Jun 6, 2021; Kawhi Leonard against Kristaps Porzingis and Boban Marjanovic during game seven of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The 5x NBA All-Star has a $36 million player option this summer. The chances are very strong that he will pick it and give his Clippers jersey one more chance to stretch for the ultimate glory. And when it is all done, he can utilise his unrestricted free agency in the 2022 off-season to invite better deals as a 31-YO.
This prolonged wait before signing a new deal can work wonders for the financial health of Kawhi Leonard. In 2022, he can become eligible to sign a crazy five-year contract that can get him a whopping $246 million. Now that’s a huge amount on the cards and this way he can also consider retiring as a Clippers legend.
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So what do you think is a better choice for Kawhi Leonard ahead of the off-season? Help us know your perception of these potential deals in the comments below.
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