Clippers Strike Long-Term Extension With Possible 76ers' FA Target

Reuniting Kawhi Leonard and Nick Nurse was always a pipe dream scenario for Philadelphia 76ers fans who want the front office to go star hunting over the next summer.

The Los Angeles Clippers made sure that scenario wouldn’t come to life this week as they’ve locked in Kawhi Leonard with a notable contract extension.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Clippers agreed to terms on a three-year extension with Leonard, which is worth $153 million.

This upcoming offseason, Leonard had a player option attached to his deal. He could've opted out and hit the free agency market early as an unrestricted prospect. If he were to pick it up, he would play out the 2024-2025 season before becoming an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

With the extension in play, Leonard expects to remain in a Clippers uniform for years to come.

Only the First Off the Board?

Leonard isn’t the only member of the Clippers that’s expected to lock in long-term once again. According to Wojnarowski, the talks with the star forward Paul George “remain ongoing.”

Similar to Leonard, George’s contract has a player option for the final year. He could opt out this summer or pick up the $48 million salary he has on the table for the 2024-2025 season.

If and when the Clippers lock in the George-Leonard duo long-term with another extension, that takes two of the most notable impending free agents off the board. With the Sixers expected to shop around for high-tier veterans in the free agency market this summer, the class certainly loses some of its intrigue with Leonard guaranteed to be out of the picture.

While health has been an issue for Leonard dating back to his days with the San Antonio Spurs and the Toronto Raptors, he’s remained a star-caliber player throughout his Clippers tenure, averaging 25 points while knocking down 40 percent of his threes across 193 games.

As the Clippers continue to bank on becoming the third team Leonard wins a title with, they cross one potential free agent target off the board for the 76ers.