NBA Off-Season Rumor: Kawhi Leonard Staying with Clippers is ‘No Longer a Safe Assumption’

The LA Clippers, after having the best season in franchise history, are eyeing a tough off-season. If the rumors are any true, they’re on the verge of losing Kawhi Leonard and hence a star they desperately need. 

The Claw was a huge reason why the Clips could enter their first WCF in 51 years. But the things with him went south after that Game 4 ACL injury against the Jazz that put a lot of things in jeopardy. Now, more than ever, it is becoming certain that he might leave Los Angeles.

What’s the latest update on the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard?

After Kawhi Leonard had surgery to repair his right ACL, it became certain that he might miss the beginning stretch of the 2021-22 season. With that came the probability that the marriage of Kawhi and Clippers might come to an end.

Now, a fresh report suggests that it is no more obvious that The Claw will stay with the third team of his career. In fact, three major markets in the Knicks, the Heat, and the Mavericks are going to hustle for his signing.

Now, the naysayers to this theory are sticking to the fact that Kawhi would prefer staying in his hometown for personal reasons. Also, the star athlete won a title with both his former teams and many feel he would like to win one with the Clippers before wanting out.

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What are the reasons The Claw might call it quits in LA?

The 5x NBA All-Star has a $36 million player option for the upcoming season. In case he decides to decline, he will become an unrestricted free agent and perhaps the hottest name in the market. 

Now, although the Clippers had a great run in 2020-21, with or without Kawhi, they’ll not be the same team in 2021-22. Just like The Claw, Serge Ibaka has his PO while names like Reggie Jackson, DeMarcus Cousins, Nicolas Batum, and Patrick Patterson will have UFA status. So this can also impact Kawhi’s decision, given he’d want to join a team promising a better roster.

However, Paul George’s recent comment can also weigh in when the 2-way small forward makes his decision. PG said in an interview, “One of the commitments I made signing my contract was to show I’m here for the long run and I’m committed to this team. Hopefully that weighs on anybody’s decision.” 

So what do you think, is Kawhi here to stay in LA or fly away? Help us know in the comments below.

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