Kawhi Leonard has signed a three-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Clippers reportedly worth $157M. The terms were not disclosed by the Clippers but later reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. The deal does not contain a player option. Furthermore, the team is reportedly working on an extension for Paul George, Leonard’s All-Star tandem partner. Both players were eligible for a maximum extension of four years and $223M. The Clippers move into a new arena, the Intuit Dome, next season. It’s clear they want their cornerstones with them to begin that new era.
The Clippers are 22-13 on the season and have won 20 of their last 26 games. With Leonard and George both healthy and productive, the team has blossomed into a true contender. Both players are averaging over 23 points a game. Meanwhile, the early-season trade for James Harden gave the team a proven ball distributor. With their big three finally assembled, the Clippers currently hold the 4th seed in the Western Conference.
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Erik Spoelstra Signs 8-Year Extension In Miami
However, Leonard isn’t the only person signing an extension in the NBA today. The Miami Heat signed head coach Erik Spoelstra to a record-breaking eight-year, $120M contract extension. The money represents the highest monetary commitment to a coach in North American sports history. Spoelstra has served as head coach in Miami since 2008, making six Finals appearances and winning two championships. Having worked with the Heat since 1997, Miami is the only NBA franchise that Spoelstra has worked for.
However, the extension comes after one of Spoelstra’s biggest disappointments in his tenure. After months of haggling for Damian Lillard, the Heat had to watch as the All-Star went to the conference rival Bucks. With a 21-15 record, the Heat are fifth in the Eastern Conference. Without any major moves in the offseason, the Heat have been relying on their established pieces to see them back to the Finals. Despite this, the team has struggled in recent weeks thanks to a lingering injury to Jimmy Butler.
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