TITLE: Report outlines Clippers’ cautious handling of Kawhi Leonard since 2019
SLUG: clippers-cautious-handling-of-kawhi-leonard
CONTENT:
The Los Angeles Clippers have spent five seasons navigating a delicate relationship with Kawhi Leonard, according to a detailed report by ESPN’s Baxter Holmes. The story describes a franchise frequently anxious about upsetting the two-time NBA Finals MVP, who joined the team in July 2019.
Limited availability on the court
Since arriving from Toronto, Leonard has appeared in 58 percent of the Clippers’ regular-season and postseason games. During that span, Los Angeles has won three playoff series and has yet to reach the NBA Finals.
Lawsuits, fines and an ongoing league probe
Off the floor, the club has twice faced lawsuits alleging tampering, absorbed multiple league fines connected to Leonard’s usage, and now finds itself under an NBA investigation into potential salary-cap circumvention tied to the forward’s endorsement deal with Aspiration.
“This one directly calls into question Steve Ballmer’s character,” a former team staffer told ESPN, referring to the current probe and the Clippers’ owner. “At some point, Steve has got to get out of the Kawhi business.”
Early demands and special allowances
Holmes reports that Leonard’s uncle and adviser, Dennis Robertson, entered 2019 free-agency meetings with several requests, including part ownership of the franchise, a private plane, a house and guaranteed endorsement income. Those items were not granted because they violated the collective bargaining agreement, but team officials did relax other policies.
Among the accommodations, Leonard was permitted to reside in San Diego and commute by helicopter, skip select media and community appearances, and place members of his inner circle in various organizational roles.
Communication restrictions and medical secrecy
The Clippers instituted strict guidelines on how staff could discuss Leonard publicly. Former coach Doc Rivers was fined $50,000 in 2019 after saying the forward “feels great” while he sat out for load management. Internally, Leonard’s health information was closely guarded; some medical personnel told ESPN they rarely had direct access to the player.
“Everybody was afraid of Kawhi leaving,” one ex-employee said, noting that Leonard had already forced his way out of San Antonio before landing in Los Angeles.
Current contract and future outlook
The atmosphere around the star has reportedly eased. Leonard bypassed a maximum four-year, $220 million extension in 2023 and instead signed a three-year, $153 million deal that runs through the 2026-27 season, signaling he does not intend to depart immediately.
Even so, rival executives told ESPN they expect this agreement to be Leonard’s last with the Clippers. A former staffer added, “They’re done building around Kawhi. They know that and he knows that.”
Source: Hoops Wire
