Kawhi Leonard remains noncommital on future with LA Clippers
LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is in many ways known for being a man of mystery who has few words for most, but Leonard left no mystery as to what his plans are regarding signing a long-term extension with the Clippers.
Leonard, who signed a two plus one deal when he signed with the Clippers in the summer of 2019, can opt-out after the 2020-21 season. Leonard spoke to the media on Monday before practice.
"[via ESPN]"
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"“Just for my situation right now, I’m just focused on this season,” Leonard explained on Monday. “Not saying I’m going anywhere else or staying here, but I’m just focused on the season.“Obviously, if I’m healthy, the best decision is to decline the player option, but that doesn’t mean I’m leaving or staying. I’m focused on the season, like I said. We’ll talk about that when the time is right.”"
With Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Paul George having already re-upped with their respective teams this offseason, the 2021 free-agent class are all of a sudden looking quite thin.
Sure, Leonard did not say he was leaning toward leaving LA, but he also didn’t say that he is staying either. As we all know this is a move that many top-line free agents enact and still end up re-signing with their current team but with a hefty pay raise and a few extra years added on.
All this does is put a little more pressure on the Clippers to continue improving the team’s roster. The team still has not addressed a need at the point guard position and is now running it back with almost the same squad that floundered in the bubble just a couple of months ago.
Aside from Luke Kennard, who just signed a four-year extension himself, Serge Ibaka, and a couple of other additions, this is the same team that blew a 3-1 lead in the second round of the playoffs against the Denver Nuggets. Minus Montrezl Harrell, of course.
Ultimately Leonard’s response is not a groundbreaking announcement. We just aren’t used to superstars coming right out and telling us what their thought process is on this matter. No, sugar coating, just straight facts.
People always talk about “keeping it real,” well Kawhi Leonard delivers on this where most are just talking.