BY AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
LOS ANGELES (AFP) — The Los Angeles Clippers have signed two-time NBA champion Kawhi Leonard to a new contract extension, the team said on Wednesday, Jan. 10.
Leonard was NBA Finals Most Valuable Player when he won the title with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014 and again with the Toronto Raptors in 2019 before moving to his hometown club.
The Clippers did not announce details of the deal but ESPN cited sources as saying the deal was for three years and worth $153 million.
“We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with Kawhi. He is an elite player, a terrific partner and a relentless worker who knows how to win and makes it his first priority,” said Clippers’ president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank.
“He elevated our franchise from the moment he arrived. We feel fortunate that Kawhi chose to join the Clippers five years ago and excited to keep building with him.”
In his 12 seasons in the NBA, Leonard, a five-time All Star and two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, has averaged 19.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals a game.
This season, Leonard is averaging 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 51.6% shooting from the field.
The Clippers are currently fourth in the Western Conference with a 23-13 record and ESPN said the team remains in talks over a new deal with Paul George.
The team will move into a new arena, the Intuit Dome, next season and hopes to have both star players tied down to deals.
