Kawhi Leonard said before the season he’d decline his $36,016,200 player option.
Even after tearing his ACL, he’s doing it.
Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports:
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is expected to decline his $36 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent, league sources tell @YahooSports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 1, 2021
Leonard is widely expected to re-sign with the Clippers, though the Mavericks, Heat and Knicks were the teams most interested in the superstar forward.
By opting out, Leonard can increase his salary next season to a projected $39,344,970. That could start a four-year contract worth $176 million with the Clippers.
Leonard could have opted in then signed a four-year extension worth $182 million (which would have brought his contract – including the option year – to $218 million over five years).
So, Leonard clearly isn’t prioritizing maximizing his guaranteed compensation right now. He can earn more over the long run by risking re-entry to free agency.
Which leads to another possibility for this summer.
Leonard could sign a 1+1 contract starting at that $39,344,970. Then, in 2022 free agency, he could sign a five-year max projected to be worth $235 million (rather than just the four-year max he can get this summer).
