Kawhi Leonard Headed for Free-Agency

According to Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers, the small forward plans to opt-out of his player-option and set himself up for securing a bag in free-agency next offseason. Leonard is hoping for a healthy season so he can maximize his value on the market.

Leonard recently spoke to the media and had this to say about his contract status:

 

If I stay healthy, the best decision is to decline the player option but it doesn't mean I'm staying or leaving. I'm just focused on this season.

To calm Clips fans down, this certainly doesn't mean he's leaving LA it actually may mean he stays another five-years. 

The Clippers have a ton of pressure on them heading into year two with Leonard and Paul George running the show, and new head coach Ty Lue will do whatever he can to keep his stars happy and to maximize the production of his roster. 

One thing to expect out of the Clippers, some triangle offense sets for Leonard, just like his idols used to in Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Lue was a teammate of both legends and sees Leonard as the perfect fit for the sets. 

Clippers to employ triangle offense sets for Kawhi Leonard https://t.co/RnB18zpfq9

— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) December 20, 2020

The 2021 NBA free agent list lost a few names over the last few weeks with all the mega-extensions being handed out. Sounds like we can keep Leonard's name on the list.

Photo credit: PI/Zuma Press/Icon Sportswire