Kawhi Leonard's Future with Clippers in Doubt

Kawhi Leonard chose to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers over the Lakers and Raptors in 2019, aiming to build a legacy with a franchise that had not previously reached significant playoff success. Despite his high performance, averaging 24.8 points per game over four seasons, Leonard's tenure with the Clippers has been marred by injuries, including a partial ACL tear that sidelined him for the entire 2021-22 season. His ongoing knee issues have delayed his return for the 2024–25 season, raising concerns about his long-term reliability. The Clippers' strategy to pair Leonard with Paul George, acquired in a major trade, initially raised championship hopes, but injuries have impeded their progress. Leonard recently signed a three-year extension, indicating his commitment to the team, yet his frequent absences have led to criticism and doubts about the Clippers' decision to extend his contract. As the Clippers transition to a new era with the departure of George to the Philadelphia 76ers, the organization's future remains uncertain with Leonard's health and legacy-building ambitions in question.