Kawhi Leonard has a player option for the 2021-22 season, and while the Los Angeles Clippers probably hope for him to pick it up, Stephen A. Smith doesn't think that's a good idea — both for the player and the franchise.
According to Smith, he's in doubt if it is in the Clippers' best interest to keep Leonard given his injury history and personality. For Stephen A., Kawhi's personality of being a “do-it” kind of guy instead of being a leader doesn't really help the team in building a culture.
Furthermore, given Leonard's battles with injuries and his age (30 years old), Smith doesn't think his presence bodes well for the team's long-term future. The veteran broadcaster then suggested for the Clippers to instead focus on Terance Mann:
Kawhi Leonard is still a top-five player in the NBA, so suggesting for the Clippers to let him go is pretty absurd to say the least. Besides, LA is invested in making the Leonard-Paul George gamble work after parting ways with several picks and young talent just to build the roster.
While Leonard has complete control over his future with his player option for next season, it is doubtful the Clippers make any move to split with him. After all, it should be remembered that this is still the same man who led the Toronto Raptors to the 2019 NBA title. Had it not been for his injury, the talk would probably be how Kawhi is leading the franchise to the NBA Finals.
Then again, it remans to be seen what the veteran forward will do when it's time to decide his future with the team.