The LA Clippers got within two games the NBA Finals this season, and likely would've made it had Kawhi Leonard been healthy enough to play. Unfortunately, he wasn't, and the team's magnificent playoff run came to an end in the Conference Finals.
Leonard suffered an ACL injury during Game 4 of the Western Conference semi-finals against the Jazz. He would not play in the Clippers' final eight games of the season, despite trying to suit up on a number of occasions early on. On July 13th, the two-time NBA Finals MVP underwent surgery on his right knee to repair a partially torn ACL. While the Clippers wouldn't put a timetable on his return, it's expected that Kawhi Leonard will miss most of the 2021-22 season.
Before his status for the season can be discussed, his future needs to be addressed first. Kawhi Leonard has a player option for the 2021-22 season, one that most are expecting to opt out of in order to re-sign with the Clippers long-term. The injury and surgery may have complicated some of what Leonard wanted to do, but this belief is he'll still re-sign and stay in Los Angeles.
The Clippers are currently -250 favorites to retain Leonard in free agency, which doesn't seem very high. Here are the rest of the betting odds, via BetOnline and Odds Shark.
Kawhi Leonard next team odds: (BetOnline) #NBA #NBATwitter
Los Angeles Clippers -250
New York Knicks +300
Dallas Mavericks +400
Miami Heat +500
Toronto Raptors +700
Golden State Warriors +750
Los Angeles Lakers +800
Philadelphia 76ers +1200
Washington Wizards +2500— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) July 20, 2021
Back in December of 2020, Leonard told members of the media said he wasn't worried about his free agency decision at the time, but did say his health would play a factor.
“Just for my situation right now, I’m just focused on this season,” Kawhi Leonard said in December. “Not saying I’m going anywhere else or staying here, but I’m just focused on the season. Obviously, if I’m healthy, the best decision is to decline the player option, but that doesn’t mean I’m leaving or staying. I’m focused on the season, like I said. We’ll talk about that when the time is right.”
“I’m just focused on this season. Not saying I’m going anywhere else or staying here. The best decision is to decline player option, but that doesn’t mean I’m leaving or staying.”
– Kawhi Leonard on his free agency. pic.twitter.com/0QR3JJUP2z
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) December 21, 2020
Kawhi Leonard as well as Serge Ibaka have until the start of August to decide on their player options.
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