Clippers Star Leonard Signs Three-Year, $152.4 Million Extension

By: Justin Gincauskas

Kawhi Leonard has signed a three-year, $152.4 million extension with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. The deal keeps Leonard in Los Angeles through the 2026-27 season.

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Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard signed a new three-year, $152.4 million contract extension, keeping him under contract through the 2026-27 season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Massive fully guaranteed, long-term commitment in LA. pic.twitter.com/FPGL2jdnvK

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 10, 2024

Leonard was in the third year of a four-year, $176 million contract that he signed with the Clippers in 2021. He had a player option for the 2024-25 season, which, if declined, would have made him a free agent at the end of this season.

There is no player option in Leonard’s new deal, and the contract is fully guaranteed. The $152.4 million extension is around $8.5 million under his maximum salary amount for the three years. Leonard will receive $52 million in the first year of the extension and approximately $50 million in each of the following two seasons, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. 

“We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with Kawhi,” said Clippers President Lawrence Frank in a statement. “He is an elite player, a terrific partner, and a relentless worker who knows how to win and makes it his first priority. He elevated our franchise from the moment he arrived. We feel fortunate that Kawhi chose to join the Clippers 5 years ago and excited to keep building with him.”

Contract Talks Shift To Paul George

With Leonard signed long-term, the Clippers will now shift their focus to getting a deal done with Paul George. George has a base salary of $45.64 million this season and will receive $48.79 million in 2024-25 if he does not decline his player option. Wojnarowski reported that talks between the Clippers and George are ongoing and that George would need to decline his player option to sign a new deal. 

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Leonard is averaging 24 points, six rebounds, and 3.5 assists for Los Angeles this season. He is having one of the healthiest seasons in a long time. His availability is a big reason why the Clippers sit fourth in the Western Conference with a 24-13 record.

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