Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard missed the entire 2021-’22 NBA season after recovering from a partial ACL tear in his right knee. After making a strong return during the 2022-’23 campaign, the Clippers’ star underwent knee surgery once again.
Leonard has repeatedly dealt with health issues in the second half of his NBA career. It played a role in his exit with the San Antonio Spurs and has cost Los Angeles in the NBA playoffs on multiple occasions.
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In Game 2 of the Clippers’ playoff series against the Phoenix Suns, this year, he suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee. It marked the latest setback for the two-time NBA Finals MVP, ultimately requiring another procedure this offseason.
- Kawhi Leonard stats (2022-’23): 23.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.94 WS/48
Speaking to reporters on Thursday night, Clippers’ president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank announced that Leonard underwent a cleanup procedure on his knee. While it comes with a two-month recovery timeline, Los Angeles is confident he’ll be ready for training camp.
“Just a cleanup, went terrific. Very quick procedure. He feels great. Eight-week recovery from time of surgery where you are back on the court playing like it was a game. We are very fortunate that it was just a quick little cleanup.”
Los Angeles Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank on Kawhi Leonard’s surgery
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- Kawhi Leonard contract: $45.64 million salary (2023-’24), $48.787 million player option in 2024 (June 29, 2024 deadline)
The Clippers are breathing a sigh of relief that Leonard needed a minor cleanup procedure, which won’t jeopardize his availability for the start of the 2023-’24 NBA season. Turning 32 years old on June 29, Leonard will have a full offseason to recover from the surgery.
However, it likely heightens some of the long-term concerns in Los Angeles. The Clippers haven’t fully committed to signing Leonard to another contract extension and fellow All-Star forward Paul George has been floated in NBA trade rumors. While this appears to only be a temporary setback for Leonard, the reminder of his durability issues and the declining stability of his right knee could compel the Clippers to evaluate their long-term plans this summer.