The LA Clippers are about to embark on their playoff journey with a first-round matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. While all of their focus will be on the NBA postseason games ahead, some within the organization will have an eye toward the summer – specifically on Kawhi Leonard.
This will be a big offseason for the Clippers. After locking up Paul George to a long-term deal, the same will be on the table this summer for Kawhi Leonard. Leonard has a player option for the 2021-22 season, which he is likely to decline and become an unrestricted free agent.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: Here are the teams who have shown interest in Spencer Dinwiddie
Figuring out what Leonard will do has proven to be a difficult task based on his last free agency tour. This summer, he will have a bunch of options to decide between. There will be plenty of teams with cap space, so Leonard will have some options. However, it sounds like the Clippers will have the upper hand in retaining him.
Adrian Wojnarowski, on The Woj Pod, during a conversation with Zach Lowe, stated that he believes Leonard will re-sign with the Clippers this summer.
“I think Kawhi is staying with the Clippers,” Wojnarowski said during a conversation with Zach Lowe. “He hasn’t said that publicly, and he probably won’t until the day he signs that contract. I know there’s been some mention of Miami. ‘Could Miami be a sleeper for him?’ I think he’s where he wants to be geographically. I think he’s gotten along very well with the organization, with management, with ownership.”
“But listen, he said, “things can go sideways when all of a sudden you get knocked out [of the playoffs] earlier than you expect.”
If Leonard wants to be on the east coast, then Miami makes sense. Pat Riley is relentless when it comes to pursuing players that he wants and he has had a ton of success landing stars in free agency.
Another team to keep an eye on would be the New York Knicks. They surprised everyone with their performance this season, the first under Tom Thibodeau. That is a prime east coast market that has an up-and-coming product on the court with All-Star Julius Randle and budding second-year player, RJ Barrett. Leonard’s style of play fits what Thibodeau wants to do, to a T.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: Lauri Markkanen to explore offers in NBA free agency
Kawhi Leonard’s impending free agency is one reason to keep an eye on the Clippers’ playoff run. As Wojnarowski said, if they are eliminated early, that could change Leonard’s feelings about the direction he wants to take his career.
Whatever Leonard decides to do in free agency could drastically change the landscape of the NBA for the foreseeable future.
