After a spectacular season with Toronto Raptors in 2018-19, Kawhi Leonard decided to move closer to his house and signed with the LA Clippers. To make a championship worthy team, Leonard put forward the condition of acquiring another star player before signing, and the Clippers fulfilled it by getting Paul George in a blockbuster deal.



With the league’s expansion, all eyes are always scanning the crowd for the next big trade, but Kawhi and the Clippers front office quietly handled their business back in early 2024 with a three-year, $149.5 million veteran extension. For all those die-hard fans of Leonard, this was a statement: Kawhi isn't going anywhere, and Steve Ballmer is more than willing to pay for that elite talent.



Kawhi Leonard’s contract breakdown



Kawhi Leonard was drafted 15th overall by the Indiana Pacers in 2011 but was immediately traded to the San Antonio Spurs where he stayed till 2017-28 season. After joining the Raptors over a 1-year deal worth $23 million for 2018-19 season, Kawhi led the franchise to its first ever NBA championship and won his second Finals MVP.



Since joining Clippers in 2019 on a 3-year $103 million contract that was active till 2021, the management and Leonardo decided to sign another maximum extension worth $176 million that would keep the latter in the team through 2024 season.



On January 14 2024, Clippers via a social media post announced that they have signed another contract extension with Kawhi Leonard. It is a 3-year contract worth $149.5 million keeping Leonardo with the Clipper through the 2027 season.










Through this deal, Leonard is guaranteed to earn $149.5 million with an average annual salary of $49 million in 2024. For the 2025-26 season, he will earn $50 million and $50.3 million for 2026-27. By the time the 2026-27 season wraps up, his career on-court earnings will cross past the $425 million mark becoming one of the highest on-court earners in NBA.



How Kawhi Leonard's contract hit Clippers’ bench



From a front-office perspective, Kawhi’s contract is a massive anchor on the salary cap. Carrying a $50 million cap hit for each of the next two seasons means the Clippers are essentially living in the luxury tax. Because he signed for slightly below his absolute maximum, it gave the team just enough breathing room to keep guys like James Harden around, but let’s be real, the NBA’s CBA is always breathing down everyone’s necks.



There’s no player option on the back end of this deal, meaning Kawhi is committed through 2027. For the fans, that’s the best part. They don't have to worry about "opt-out" rumors every summer. All they hope is that Kawhi Leonard stays healthy and fit and continues to perform dominantly on the court.



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