Players who show a positive mindset, good attitude, and standard work ethics are most times influenced by the contract and paycheck. But Kawhi Leonard seems not to be bothered whether he is running out the contract or not, his work ethic is still as high as ever with the Los Angeles Clippers. He has affirmed that he is not in a rush over a new contract.
Just after the report claims that Kawhi Leonard is taking a slow approach to his contract extension, his Clippers teammates appear to debunk wrong assumptions fans have about Kawhi Leonard.
Paul George debunks misconceptions around Kawhi Leonard
Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard ranks among the league’s finest players when he’s in good health, and he’s undoubtedly the top player on the Los Angeles Clippers. It seems many perceive him as having a “robotic” personality. Recently, Paul George who shares the same locker room with Kawhi at LA Clippers, responded to those labeling Kawhi Leonard as robotic, affirming that his co-star is actually a “funny dude.”
In a recent interview, Clippers forward Paul responded to Kawhi Leonard’s character saying, “People don’t realize like he is as normal as possible and he’s a funny dude and he’s charismatic and he has a personality. I don’t know why people think he’s a robot.”
It’s important to recognize that players may not always reveal their true personalities to the media. Kawhi Leonard is widely seen as a cherished teammate and shouldn’t be expected to go beyond his professional duties when interacting with the media. When someone seems to be reserved in the media, a lot of people will always give a name to that person which has been the situation surrounding Kawhi Leonard. Thanks to his teammate who cleared the air over Kawhi’s character.
Kawhi confident on Clippers extension despite delay
Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers has been eligible for an extension for a while, but no deal has come together yet. When asked about it by Andrew Greif of The Los Angeles Times, Leonard mentioned having a “good” relationship with the team’s front office and expressed confidence in eventually reaching an extension, though it doesn’t seem imminent. “For sure”, Leonard said. “It hasn’t even been nothing that we’ve been rushing on their side or my side. So, we’re good.”
However, Kawhi could opt for free agency next summer if he declines his $48.8 million player option for 2024/25. He’s set to earn $45.6 million this season. Should Leonard sign an extension during the 2023/2024 season, it would require him to decline his ’24/25 player option as part of the agreement. Going this route could potentially lead to a higher income, provided he receives another max deal offer.
Leonard is a five-time All-NBA member, two-time Finals MVP, and two-time Defensive Player of the Year. He has been a standout performer for the Clippers when he’s been injury-free. His stats include averaging 25.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, all in an average of 33.3 minutes per game.
The challenge lies in Leonard’s injury history during his time with the Clippers, where he featured in just 161 out of a possible 308 regular-season games in four years and missed the entire 2021/2022 season due to a partially torn right ACL.
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