Kawhi Leonard could become an unrestricted free agent by declining his $36 million player option. However, it appears the star forward still is expected to return to the Los Angeles Clippers regardless of the decision on his player option.
“I’ve got no indication that Kawhi Leonard is interested in doing anything besides re-signing with the Clippers and rehabbing that injury,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (h/t Bleacher Report) said Sunday on the “Woj & Lowe Free Agency Special.”
Leonard, who tore his ACL during the playoffs, could miss the entire 2021-22 campaign. ESPN’s Zach Lowe noted that teams will still be interested in the five-time All-Star despite the injury, but the Clippers expect him to re-sign this offseason.
Leonard signed with the Clippers in 2019, teaming up with Paul George to make L.A. instant title contenders. However, the club hasn’t made it to the NBA Finals despite the additions.
Still, Leonard is one of the best players in the league when healthy, and he could carry the Clippers into the NBA Finals with a few other additions. The 30-year-old averaged 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game last season while shooting 51.2% from the field and 39.8% from deep.
With Leonard likely to be sidelined for the upcoming season, though, George and the remainder of L.A.’s roster must step up in his absence if the club has any hopes he’ll return for the playoffs.
