about 3 hours ago

Clippers Used Kawhi Leonard's Injury Information as Leverage in Contact Extension

Eligible for a four-year, $220M max, Kawhi Leonard instead signed a three-year, $153M deal in January 2024. A former staffer said the Clippers, wary of his injuries and second-apron limits, prioritized flexibility. “We know what’s under the hood,” one source told ESPN. While teammates admired Leonard’s effort, management weighed his availability in shaping the offer.