Free agent forward Kawhi Leonard is re-signing with the Los Angeles Clippers, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Terms of the deal are still being finalized.
Leonard had surgery on his partially torn right ACL, and there is no timetable for the two-time NBA Finals MVP’s return. He could miss a substantial portion of the 2021-22 season.
The five-time All-Star averaged 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game over 52 games (34.1 minutes per game) this past season before suffering the ACL injury in the Western Conference semifinals. Without Leonard, the Clippers advanced to the Western Conference finals where they lost to the Phoenix Suns in six games.
Leonard declined his $36 million option to enter free agency, but had been expected to work out a new deal to keep him in Los Angeles paired with Paul George, who joined Leonard with the Clippers two summers ago. George signed a maximum contract extension before the 2020-21 season.
The Clippers have had a quiet free agency, while waiting for Leonard’s decision. Los Angeles reportedly agreed to deals to keep Nicolas Batum and Reggie Jackson with the team.
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