The Los Angeles Clippers have officially inked prized free agent Kawhi Leonard to a three-year, $103 million maximum contract that includes a player option for the third year, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Leonard, who just turned 28, could become a free agent heading into his age-30 season if he were son inclined.
The Clippers stayed quiet and respected Leonard’s desire for privacy during free agency, and in the end they had the prize that the Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors — who were unable to keep things under wraps — were hoping to claim.
Coming off a legendary postseason run that saw him lead Toronto to its first-ever NBA title, Leonard will now have the chance to play in Southern California for the first time as a pro. It’s where he played his high school and college ball, and that isn’t lost on the community as a whole.
Though, his decision to spurn the Lakers in favor of the Clippers will have lasting ramifications. And many Lakers fans are feeling quite bitter about that fact.
With Paul George joining him, Leonard and the Clippers are now the favored team to win it all following the 2019-20 season.