Back up the Brinks truck to the home of Kawhi Leonard. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Los Angeles Clippers star forward has inked a new three-year, $153 million contract extension with the team.
The new deal will pay Leonard $52 million in the first year and $50 million annually over the following two years. There is no player option included in the deal.
Leonard had until June 30 to sign an extension with a $8.7 million player option for the season. Leonard averaged 23.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game for the season while retaining his health.
“We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with Kawhi,” Lawrence Frank, the Clippers’ president of basketball operations, said in a statement. “He is an elite player, a terrific partner and a relentless worker who knows how to win and makes it his first priority. He elevated our franchise from the moment he arrived. We feel fortunate that Kawhi chose to join the Clippers five years ago, and excited to keep building with him.”
Leonard will now be the face of the organization as they head into their new arena for next season.
Gregg Popovich actively defended his former star Kawhi Leonard when Spurs fans booed the Clipper during a free throw attempt. Popovich addressed the crowd via a microphone on the scorer’s table towards the end of the second quarter. “Excuse me for a second. Can we stop all the booing and let these guys play? Have a little class. That’s not who we are. Knock off the booing,” the veteran coach said to the crowd. After the game, Popovich explained his actions as not wanting to “poke the bear”. “I think anybody that knows anything about sports — you don’t poke the bear,” Popovich said.
However, the boos only increased after Popovich’s address. Despite this, Leonard put up a game-high 26 points, 18 of which came after Popovich’s comments. Leonard has long been booed due to his less-than-amicable exit from San Antonio in 2018. “If I don’t have a Spurs jersey on, they’re probably going to boo me the rest of my career. But I mean it is what it is. Like I said, they’re one of the best fans in the league and they’re very competitive. Once I step out on this basketball court out here, they show that they’re going for the other side. When I’m on the streets or going into restaurants, they show love. So it is what it is,” Leonard said after the game.
The 109-102 result over the Spurs, in which Victor Wembanyama put up a 22-point double-double, was the Clippers’ third consecutive win. That streak snapped a dismal 0-6 run that began James Harden’s tenure in LA. Granted, all three wins have come against lottery teams in the Rockets and Spurs. However, it’s a much-needed bounce-back that has the Clippers one game under .500 and two games back in their division.
Despite this, the real test looms for the Clippers. They end November with games against New Orleans, Dallas, Denver, Sacramento, and Golden State. That’s a mix of strong playoff contenders and seasoned rosters. As mentioned, it will be the first major test of whether the Clippers’ new-look roster has finally found its footing. Things do look promising. Despite his “I am a system” comments, Harden has settled into a facilitator role similar to the one he held in Philly. He currently leads the Clippers in assists, while Paul George and Leonard remain the primary scoring options.
Kawhi Leonard went out of his way to credit the WNBA with him teaching him a new technique to improve his game. During the Clippers’ season opener, Leonard was spotted employing the “step-through” on several occasions. The move involves using the pivot foot to step around the defender during a basket drive. It was popularized and perfected by athletes in the WNBA and Leonard was sure to mention that when asked. “A lot of WNBA players do it. I thought it was just a WNBA rule at first, but I realized that you could pick up that back foot,” Leonard said at the Clippers’ post-game presser.
The move has become a signature for the likes of DeWanna Bonner of the Connecticut Sun and A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces. Leonard went 23-5-6 in the Clippers 123-111 win over the Blazers. The Clippers next play the Jazz later today.
The aforementioned Wilson made extensive use of the step-through during the recent WNBA Finals. The Aces secured their second WNBA title in as many seasons with a 70-69 Game 4 victory. After a double-digit loss in Game 3, the Aces bounced back to take a one-point win in front of a hostile and sold-out New York home crowd. A’ja Wilson had a game-high 24 points as injuries to key starters limited the Aces’ dominance but did not relegate them to silver scrapes. With the win, the Aces became the first team since the 2002 Los Angeles Sparks to win back-to-back titles. They were also the first defending champions to even make the Finals since the Sparks in 2017.
“This one’s sweeter. It just is. It’s harder to do,” head coach Becky Hammon said after the game. “This is what it’s all about, to have your name etched in history right now with other teams. We never gave up, and this is a moment that we need to celebrate. This is a moment that not a lot of people get a chance to do it, and for us to do it shorthanded, it is truly amazing. It just makes winning that much better,” Wilson, who was named Finals MVP, added.
Kawhi Leonard, a name that resonates with basketball enthusiasts worldwide, has made significant strides in the NBA. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $80 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. But how did Leonard amass such wealth, and what factors have contributed to his financial success?
Born on June 29, 1991, in Los Angeles, California, Kawhi Leonard’s life was not without its challenges. The youngest of five children, he faced a personal tragedy early on when his father was tragically murdered. Despite the adversities, Leonard’s passion for basketball remained undeterred. Leonard’s high school years saw him transfer from Canyon Springs High School to Martin Luther King High School. His senior year performances alongside teammate Tony Shell earned him recognition as a 4-star recruit. By 2009, he was ranked as the 48th-best player in the nation.
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 02: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 2, 2018 in New York City. The Spurs defeated the Knicks 100-91. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Leonard’s college career at San Diego State Aztecs was marked by achievements. In his sophomore year, he led the Aztecs to their second consecutive conference championship. However, after a promising run, they were defeated by UConn in the NCAA tournament’s round of 16.
Choosing to leave college after his sophomore year, Leonard was drafted by the Indiana Pacers but was soon traded to the San Antonio Spurs. Under the guidance of the legendary coach Gregg Popovich, Leonard’s NBA journey truly began.
TORONTO, ON – JUNE 17: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors holds the MVP trophy during the Toronto Raptors Victory Parade on June 17, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. The Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors 4-2 to win the 2019 NBA Finals. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
During his tenure with the Spurs from 2011 to 2018, Leonard garnered numerous accolades. Notably, he was named the NBA Finals MVP and clinched the NBA Championship. His unique style of play earned him the nickname “The Klaw.” Moreover, his defensive prowess saw him win the Defensive Player of the Year title in both 2015 and 2016.
In 2018, Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors. His leadership and skill were instrumental in leading the Raptors to their first NBA title in 2019, earning him his second Finals MVP award. Following this, Leonard returned to his hometown, joining the LA Clippers in July 2019.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 15: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers of the LA Clippers dribbles the ball during the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets in Game Seven of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 15, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Leonard’s financial success is not solely from his NBA salary. His endorsement deals add millions to his earnings annually. In his first decade in the NBA, Leonard earned a staggering $150 million in salary alone.
His contracts have seen significant jumps over the years. In 2015, he signed a 5-year contract with the Spurs worth $90 million. Later, in 2019, Leonard’s contract with the LA Clippers was a three-year deal amounting to over $103 million.
SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 4: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers sits in the stands as the San Diego Padres face against the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 4, 2023 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)
Apart from his earnings on the court and through endorsements, Leonard has made significant investments in real estate. In 2019, he purchased a home in Rancho Santa Fe, California, for $13.3 million. He also owns properties in LA’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood and a condo in downtown Los Angeles.
Kawhi Leonard’s journey from a young boy in Los Angeles to an NBA superstar is nothing short of inspirational. His dedication, skill, and strategic financial decisions have culminated in a net worth of $80 million in 2023. As he continues to play and invest, there’s no doubt that Leonard’s star will only shine brighter in the years to come.
The 2019 NBA playoffs saw the Toronto Raptors win their first-ever title behind first-year head coach Nick Nurse and league superstar Kawhi Leonard. Their title run was full of memorable moments, including Kawhi Leonard’s four-bounce rimshot buzzer-beater to sink the Sixers in the second round. The Raptors would eventually win the title with a 4-2 series win over the Golden State Warriors.
Meanwhile, Drake became a persistent figure on the sidelines, cheering on his hometown team. Drake has an interesting history with Toronto sports. A string of failures by teams from the Canadian city, often after Drake was in attendance or shoutout the team, has led fans to declare the rapper to be cursed. However, not only did the Raptors win the 2019 title, but Drake also tormented a then-owner of the Sixers with some masterful trolling.
Appearing on the All The Smoke podcast, Michael Rubin, who owned a stake in the Sixers between 2011 and 2022, revealed just how much Drake had trolled him. “My worst memory of Drake is in the middle of Game 7 of the playoffs, he sends me a picture of himself wearing Sixers shorts. He said, ‘I’m coming for you,’” Rubin recalled. “As soon as I saw him in Sixers shorts, I said, ‘We’re losing this fucking game.’ That jinx-ass muthafucka. Just put on these shorts and I knew it was a wrap.” Rubin was right, of course, as Kawhi Leonard ended the game with the aforementioned four-bounce buzzer-beater. However, Drake was not done with Rubin.
“By the way, I’ve never seen someone FaceTime me more times and me ignore him more than after that game. He had no chill. We had just lost [to Kawhi’s shot] and he FaceTimed every two seconds. I just never picked up. I just went home depressed.” The pair apparently quickly reconciled, with TMZ spotting them gambling in The Bahamas after the Finals. However, Drake would also go on to reference Rubin in “When To Say When” on Dark Lane Demo Tapes. “I watched Michael Rubin win a million off a couple hands/ I decide what to see next like it’s on demand/ I decide what to be next like I’m switchin’ plans/ I’ma tell you what you feel next like the weatherman.”
Kawhi Leonard mysteriously exited the Los Angeles Clippers first-round series against the Phoenix Suns. We now know he suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee.
According to ESPN, the team and Leonard will head into the offseason developing a treatment plan. The injury occurred in Game 1 of the series and was originally believed to be a right knee sprain. Leonard played through the injury in Game 2.
ESPN also notes this is the second injury to Leonard’s knee in two of the last three playoffs. He had a partial tear in his right ACL during the 2021 Western Conference Finals.
JJ Redick has seemingly had enough of Stephen A. Smith’s comments on Kawhi Leonard. Smith sent social media into a frenzy last week after his tough comments on Leonard. The First Take host stated that Leonard is the worst superstar in NBA history. While many have yet to understand the actual definition of Smith’s claim. However, Smith is still standing by the comments he made last week. But Redick has heard enough of the slander on Leonard during his recent injury.
Redick attempted to be patient with Smith over the topic. However, on Wednesday’s edition of the show, Redick let all of his frustrations out on Smith’s take. Redick mentioned seeing Leonard rehab from an injury in the past. According to Redick, Leonard takes his rehab very seriously. The former Clippers star stated that Leonard isn’t the kind of player that would sit out just to sit out. Redick believes that Leonard does everything he possibly can to be a part of the game. Check out Redick’s full comments in the video below.
Fans find Redick’s commentary refreshing for sports talk. It is always nice to hear the opinions of someone who has played the game at the highest level. It is easy for someone like Smith to make harsh comments directed at Leonard. Because he hasn’t been in those same shoes. However, Redick knows exactly what Leonard is feeling in his current mindset. Redick even mentioned the mental toll that a physical injury can take on an athlete.
Redick’s strong comments are more than likely not going to change Smith’s comments on Leonard. Time and time again, when given the opportunity, Smith has defended his comments. Leonard has created his own path during his NBA journey. The story of the NBA can’t be told without discussing a chapter on Leonard. However, injuries seem to be derailing what looked like a potentially great run for the star in Los Angeles. Do you agree with JJ Redick’s assessment of what Leonard is currently going through? Let us know in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.
Stephen A. Smith is still on the Kawhi Leonard diss train this week. Last week, Smith called Leonard one of the worst superstars in NBA history. Now Smith is taking it a step further. On Wednesday’s edition of First Take, Smith made a statement that has sent the NBA community into a frenzy. The legendary host claimed that it is time for the Clippers to move on from Leonard. Actually, Smith stated that the Clippers should force Leonard to retire. However, not just because of his injury issues.
In the segment, Smith discussed how Leonard is only bringing the franchise down. While his injuries are a large part of the reason. However, Smith feels Leonard doesn’t bring anything to the franchise. Smith claims that Leonard doesn’t market the Clippers brand. Leonard’s injuries are not being questioned by Smith. The show’s host mentions he has heard stories about how severe Leonard’s injuries actually are. However, Smith stands by his comments from last week.
Stephen A. Smith Claims Clippers Should Move On From Leonard
“Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles Clippers should force Kawhi Leonard to retire.”
Forcing someone to retire may seem a little drastic. However, Leonard hasn’t been available for the Clippers when it matters most. The former Finals MVP hasn’t played in over 65 games in a regular season since 2016-17. As well as missing all of last season due to a torn ACL. While it might not be the right decision, maybe Smith has a point with the team moving on. However, looking for a team to trade him to could prove to be difficult.
The Clippers have once again finished a disappointing playoff run. Of course, without their two biggest stars, the team was destined for a tough road. The Clippers lost the Phoenix Suns in 5 games in their opening-round series. However, it seems like the team could be facing an even more challenging road with Leonard. Do you agree with Stephen A. Smith on his retirement thoughts about Leonard? Can Leonard ever be a top player again once he returns from injury? Let us know in the comment section what you think. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.
Kawhi Leonard had 69 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists through the first two games of the Suns-Clippers series. He had put the team on his back in the absence of co-star Paul George and had helped the Clippers stun the Suns in Game 1. If the Clippers were going to top the Suns, Leonard was going to be the most vital piece in that effort.
However, Leonard was sidelined towards the end of Game 2 and ruled out of Games 3-5 with a knee injury. There had been reports, and hopes, that he would be able to return to the series. However, these reports only ever went as high as a 50/50 chance that he would play. He was officially ruled out of the series-ending Game 5, with the Clippers losing 136-130. However, further details have now been revealed about Leonard’s injury.
Kawhi Leonard Out Indefinitely With Torn Meniscus
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee, sources tell @TheAthletic@Stadium. Leonard averaged 35 points in first two games of this postseason vs. Suns before the meniscus injury was revealed and he was shut down by medical staff.
According to sources who spoke with The Athletic, Leonard has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee. That will shut down the Clippers star for most, if not all, of the offseason and could even extend into the 2023-24 season. Leonard played 52 this season as he dealt with a handful of nagging, small-scale injuries. However, he is quickly gaining a reputation as a GOAT-level player…when he’s healthy. Kawhi has missed a total of 160 games during his stint with the Clippers. In comparison, he has played in 187. ESPN‘s Stephen A. Smith has already declared that this latest injury should be the end of Leonard’s time with the Clippers.
However, Leonard’s injury all but guarantees he will play for the Clippers next season. 2023-24 is a player option year for Leonard, meaning that he had the right to opt-out and pursue free agency if he wished. However, the market for the veteran forward will be much smaller now that he’s publicly dealing with such a severe injury. Barring a contract extension, Leonard would be a free agent at the end of next season. Furthermore, the Clippers can’t cut Leonard because his contract his fully guaranteed. That means LA is on the hook for nearly $49 million (cutting Leonard also imposes a cap hit of $45 million). However, it remains to be seen what the recovery timetable looks like for Leonard.
Kawhi Leonard will once again be absent for the Los Angeles Clippers in their first-round matchup with the Phoenix Suns. Leonard, who missed Game 4 with a knee sprain, will miss Game 5 for the same reason. The news was reported by NBA insider Shams Charania. The Leonard injury is a massive blow to a Clippers team that will be fighting for their playoff lives. However, injuries are a part of the game, and the team will be more than ready to fight off elimination.
Last week, Russell Westbrook discussed Leonard’s injury with the media. During his interview, Westbrook mentioned just how unfortunate the injury is for Leonard. The Clippers will be without Leonard and Paul George. Two massive talents that would change the entire landscape of the series if they were healthy. However, the team will look to players like Westbrook to keep their season alive. The Clippers are just one of many teams that have faced derailing injuries during this postseason.
Kawhi Leonard Unavailable For Pivotal Playoff Game
Clippers list Kawhi Leonard as out for Game 5 vs. Suns.
Leonard’s recent injury has brought up an interesting debate on the Clippers star’s legacy. Last week, Stephen A. Smith created a social media wildfire with his comments on Leonard. Smith believes that Leonard is the worst superstar in NBA history. A confusing statement, but once Smith broke it down, it somewhat made more sense. Leonard has been hit with every injury imaginable in recent years. Now it seems his legacy is becoming an injured star. Instead of being the guy everyone once feared in the postseason.
Unfortunately, Leonard is dealing with off-the-court issues as well. The former Finals MVP is dealing with the heartbreaking news that his sister has been sentenced to life in prison on a murder charge. Piling the recent news onto a frustrated injury will surely have Leonard in a tough mental state. However, Leonard isn’t one to share his feelings with the media. Especially on such a close family issue. Do you believe that the Clippers have a chance to advance without Kawhi Leonard? How will you remember Leonard when his playing time is over? Let us know your thoughts on those questions in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.
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