The Los Angeles Clippers inked Kawhi Leonard to a three-year $149.5 million contract extension in January. The two-time NBA champion will be 35 years old by the time he hits free agency again. Los Angeles ensured there was no player option on the final year of his new deal.
The Clippers may already regret giving him such a hefty paycheck.
Leonard was limited to two games in the 2024 playoffs due to swelling in his right knee, the same knee he suffered an ACL tear on in 2021 and a meniscus injury in 2022. During the summer, Leonard underwent surgery to help resolve the issue.
However, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Leonard is still sidelined, with no set time for his return to the court.
“L.A. Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will be sidelined indefinitely to begin the NBA season as he rehabilitates from inflammation in his right knee, sources told ESPN on Thursday,” Charania reported. “The Clippers and Leonard are in the midst of a rehab process for the two-time NBA Finals MVP.”
