LOS ANGELES — Two days after Kawhi Leonard declined to address his long-term future, Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said the organization remains all-in on the five-time All-Star.
“Our plan is to win with Kawhi,” Frank told reporters during a 45-minute press conference. “At the appropriate time we’ll sit down, lay out our plan, and if our goals are aligned, we’d like to win with Kawhi.”
Leonard, a two-time Finals MVP, enters the final season of his contract in 2026/27 at $50.3 million and can sign a two-year extension this summer.
Roster overhaul fuels optimism
Frank pointed to February’s deadline deals—sending James Harden to Cleveland for Darius Garland and trading Ivica Zubac to Indiana for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson and two first-round picks—as evidence of a forward-looking approach. “We’ve put ourselves in a very good position with emerging young players, draft capital and cap space,” he said.
Lue locked in through 2029
The executive confirmed head coach Tyronn Lue, under contract until 2029, “isn’t going anywhere.” Frank praised Lue’s daily energy and called him “an incredible partner” committed to continuous improvement.
NBA investigation update
Frank repeated his belief that the league’s probe into Leonard’s alleged no-show endorsement deal with Aspiration will ultimately clear the franchise. “If you know Steve Ballmer and his integrity, you know there’s nothing to it,” he said, adding he could not comment further while the investigation remains open.
Garland’s offseason focus
After a season hampered by a persistent toe injury, Frank wants Garland to add strength. “The offseason is when you make great gains with your body,” he said, noting that successful smaller guards often rely on added muscle.
Areas to address
Frank listed rebounding, secondary ball-handling and shooting as offseason priorities—concerns he also voiced a year ago. Determining Leonard’s future, negotiating a new deal with restricted free agent Mathurin and securing a starting center headline the Clippers’ to-do list, according to league sources.
The Clippers enter the summer with flexibility, draft assets and a stated intent to keep their franchise cornerstone in place.
Source: Hoops Rumors
