ESPN’s Baxter Holmes reported that some within the Los Angeles Clippers organization had grown frustrated with Kawhi Leonard’s availability during his recent seasons.
According to Holmes, a former team staffer said Leonard’s injuries and frequent absences created fatigue within the organization. That factor was considered as the Clippers weighed extension talks with Leonard before the 2023-24 season.
At the time, Leonard was eligible for a four-year, $220 million maximum contract. The team instead prioritized preserving salary cap flexibility, especially with second-apron restrictions looming under the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
The Clippers also had extension discussions with Paul George, further influencing their approach to Leonard’s situation. George eventually left for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2024 free agency.
Leonard missed the start of the 2024-25 campaign due to inflammation in his right knee, which stemmed from an offseason setback at Team USA camp. He sat out the first 34 games before making his return on January 4, 2025, against the Atlanta Hawks.
Shortly after, Leonard stepped away from the team to be with family affected by the Southern California wildfires. He later returned and posted several strong performances, including a 39-point outing against the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs.
Still, his inconsistent availability throughout the season added to ongoing concerns about his durability. Leonard, who turned 32 in June, has appeared in just 37 regular-season games this year.
The two-time Finals MVP remains under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season. He averaged 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in the 2024-25 regular season.
