Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard reportedly is expected to decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent.
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is expected to decline his $36 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent, league sources tell @YahooSports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 1, 2021
Leonard, 30, suffered a partially torn ACL during the playoffs last season, and his status for the 2021-22 season is unknown at the moment.
It’s possible Leonard is opting out to sign a long-term deal with the Clippers, but he will have the ability to test the free agent waters before agreeing to any deal.
Kawhi Leonard has declined his $36M player option for next season and becomes a free agent, per source. Now, the expectation is that Leonard will negotiate a new deal to stay with Clippers. @ChrisBHaynes first on declining option.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 1, 2021
The Clippers made it to the Western Conference Finals this past season, but they lost to the Phoenix Suns in six games without Leonard.
Leonard is a five-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion and will likely have several suitors as a free agent.
Last season, Leonard averaged 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game while shooting 51.2 percent from the field and 39.8 percent from beyond the arc.
