Los Angeles Clippers president of operations Lawrence Frank had no doubt the organization would reach an extension agreement with Kawhi Leonard. This materialized this Wednesday through a three-year, $152.4 million contract that will cover until the 2026-27 season, after the forward rejected his player option for next season.
«We knew that this agreement was going to happen. “We both wanted it to happen and we reached an agreement,” the executive explained to journalists before this Wednesday’s game against the Toronto Raptors, which ended with a victory for his interests.
Frank added that the two-time Finals MVP’s injury history did not pose any inconvenience nor did he question the potential signing at any time. Leonard has dispelled some of the physical concerns that he may have had by playing the first 27 games of the course and a total of 32 of a possible 36.
The Clippers have a 13-1 record with him on the court since the beginning of December, a period in which he averaged 26.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals, with one successful field goal. 57% and 48% in triples.
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In addition, the president of the Clippers assured that Kawhi’s willingness to accept less than he was entitled to receive, approximately 220 million over four years, will help the organization in extension negotiations with Paul George and James Harden.
“To win you need to have flexibility and very good teammates,” stated Frank. «And to achieve it it is necessary to make sacrifices. I love what I’ve heard from our guys and what Kawhi has shown. “We want everyone to receive fair compensation and, at the same time, preserve our flexibility to have candidate workforces in the short and long term.”
(Portography by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
2024-01-11 20:00:00
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