NBA rumors: Pelicans after Jarrett Allen, Kawhi extension update, best RFA still available
By Ian Levy
NBA rumors: Clippers aren’t in a rush to off Kawhi Leonard an extension
The contract status of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George is casting a long shadow over the future of the Clippers. Leonard is currently eligible to sign an extension and George will become eligible in a few months. Both have player options at the end of next season and could theoretically leave for greener pastures without the Clippers receiving any compensation.
However, the Clippers need to weigh that risk against the risk of throwing good money after bad. George and Leonard have been with the Clippers for four seasons. Over that stretch, they’ve been paid roughly $300 million combined and made just one Conference Finals appearance. George has played in just 189 and Leonard has played in just 161 of a possible 308 regular season games.
Given that injury history, the Clippers have a lot to think about.
According to Ohm Youngmiusk of ESPN in a recent Lowe Post podcast appearance, “There is no rush on an extension for Kawhi Leonard.”
It makes sense, and expect the Clippers to take both of these decisions right down to the deadline.