Kawhi Leonard could sign lucrative, long-term deal with Clippers to challenge Lakers

Kawhi Leonard signed with Los Angeles Clippers last year, right after his championship season with Toronto Raptors. While 29-year-old and Paul George were expected to make a deep playoff run, Clippers ended up exiting during second round against Denver Nuggets. This gave way to speculations about Leonard's future with franchise, who would apparently want to win more titles. 

Also read | Lakers' celebrity fan Sop Dogg gets a SURPRISE gift from Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard

Will Kawhi Leonard contract be renewed?

While previous reports hinted at Leonard's exit from Clippers, 2019 NBA Champion might stay with team long-term. As per HoopsHype's Micahel Scotto, league believes Leonard plans to stay with Clippers – a development which came after Paul Goerge's contract extension. However, Leonard's tenure with Clippers depends on his current contract, which has a player option next season with an opt-out clause. 

Kawhi Leonard salary 

Leonard is currently signed to a three-year $103,137,300 contract with Clippers. As per Spotrac, his annual salary is $34,379,100. By next season, Leonard will have earned $101,090,925 with Clippers if he does t choose his opt-out option. 

Also read | Clippers star Kawhi Leonard comically reacts to Harrell's miss during pre-season game

Can re be a Kawhi Leonard trade?

If he does opt out, league will have Kawhi Leonard as an unrestricted free nt in 2021. Clippers, who were criticized for blowing ir 3-1 lead during playoffs, are apparently trying to aim for a title again this year. Blaming it on team's chemistry, franchise has made several changes to ir roster, hoping to strengn team's bond. 

This includes parting ways with Doc Rivers, before signing Tyronn Lue as ir head coach. While y've signed Jordan, Nicolas BatumSF and Ky Bowman as free nts, team's table signing was Serge Ibaka – who is reunited with Leonard. Both played toger with Raptors, and are expected to share a good chemistry on court, which is what Clippers might need this postseason. 

Also read | Clippers teammates unhappy with biased treatment towards Kawhi Leonard, Paul George?

Clippers signed George to a $226 million contract over span of five years, which received mixed reactions from fans. Though it speaks about his loyalty to team, fans wondered if re-signing him was a good decision.  extension will add to his $190 million, 4-year deal, which would pay him $35.4 million for upcoming season. 

This also follows reports hinting at problems between teammates, who are seemingly unhappy with preferential treatment George and Leonard receive. privileges were, but t limited to, allowing Leonard to apparently commute from San Diego, and letting m influence training sessions while also bringing in personal staff (guards and trainers). 

Clippers will open season against Los Angeles Clippers on December 22, 10:00 PM EST (December 23, 8:30 AM IST). 

Also read | Kyle Lowry, Kawhi Leonard free ncy looming as 2020-21 season begins

(Im credits: LA Clippers Instagram)