Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue told NBA reporters Marc Stein and Chris Haynes that Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are on track to be 100% for the start of training camp.
Leonard played in two games in the 2023 playoffs before suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee. The two-time Finals MVP underwent offseason surgery. Meanwhile, George missed the entire 2023 postseason with a sprained right knee.
“They’re both on track to be 100% by the time training camp starts and that’s what we need,” Lue said. “You know, our best players will be healthy, and we’ve just been in an unfortunate situation where our two best players (haven’t had) a full season together the last three years and that’s been tough on us.”
Leonard averaged 34.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists in Games 1 and 2 of the first round against the Phoenix Suns before missing the rest of the series with his knee injury. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year signed a four-year, $176.3 million contract with the Clippers in August 2021. He missed the entire 2021-22 season recovering from an ACL injury.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Leonard appeared in 52 games last season, averaging 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists. The Clippers signed Leonard in the summer of 2019 and traded for George from the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, the franchise hasn’t reached the NBA Finals yet. Leonard and George have only played in 118 regular-season games together. Both stars have been prone to injuries since becoming teammates.
George averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Clippers last season. The 33-year-old signed a lucrative four-year, $176 million maximum extension with the Clippers in December 2020. George will make $45.6 million next season and has a player option worth $48.8 million for the 2024-25 season.
The Clippers are potentially facing a crossroads with their roster since Leonard and George both have player options for the 2024-25 season. If Los Angeles doesn’t compete for a title next season, the Leonard-George era could be over.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Leonard and George want the Clippers to acquire James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers, according to Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports. Harden has requested a trade from the Sixers and only wants to get traded to the Clippers. The 10-time All-Star has spoken to Leonard and George since requesting a trade from Philadelphia.
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