The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to a three-year deal with Kawhi Leonard.
The Clippers have signed a contract with Leonard for $ 103 million over three years. In the final year of the contract, the player has agreed to sign a contract with a player option contract, which is less contracted than the originally known contract ($ 14.2 million in four years).
There are two main reasons. In 2021, when player options are available, Leonard can win the tenth best deal. His salary can increase by 35% of salary cap. Given that he could touch a larger salary right away, it would make sense for Leonard to sign a three-year contract with player options.
He could be in the transfer market at the same time as Paul George, who became his colleague. George signed a four-year contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder last summer. George's contract also has a player option, which can also be a free agent two seasons later. Both Leonard and George are expected to take the decision once again after winning the championship.
When Leonard first signed a four-year deal, it was meant to be a clippers man. However, with a minimum of two years' contract, Leonard will be in the market again two years later. After two seasons, LeBron James (Lakers) will be a free agent, starting with George. This is another opportunity for them to come out again.
At the same time it is possible to put more pressure on the Clippers. He will have a chance to win the game with George as he made a full-time transfer to the Clippers, but there was room for him to move the team if he did not. There is no reason for the Clippers not to reinforce it, but if the situation is not clear, it will be interpreted as a decision to decide again later.