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Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Summary
Leonard is far and away the best free agent in 2021. He will certainly get a max contract, and will get any contract length that he wants. Leonard is an MVP-level player and very recently has been in the debate for the best player in the NBA. While his elite defense isn't there consistently like it was during his days in San Antonio, he can still lock in when it matters most.
On offense, Leonard has become a three-level scorer, and his playmaking has improved every year. While he doesn't have elite ball-handling or quickness to blow-by his defender on a regular basis, he's strong enough to finish in traffic or just use his shoulders to create enough space to shoot over his defender.
Kawhi will be 30 this summer, but his game should translate well as he ages due to his size, skill, and basketball IQ. There's a chance that a full 4-year max could be an overpay on the back years, but the extra benefit you get in the early years certainly make it worth it.
Cap Considerations
Leonard has a $36 million player option for '21-'22. If he opts out, Leonard will be an unrestricted free agent with a $39.3 million cap hold and Early Bird rights. Since Leonard will have a large cap hold, the Clippers will not have any cap space unless Leonard and the rest of their free agents sign elsewhere.
Because Leonard will be an Early Bird free agent, the Clippers cannot sign him to a 5 year deal. However, if Leonard opts in he could do a four-year extension starting in 2022. Kawhi would be giving up about $9 million over the next four years to do this, but would be locking down a $50 million year in '25-'26, so that may be worth it.
While Early Bird free agents also cannot sign a 1+1 (2-year contract with a player option for the second year), Kawhi's prior year salary is high enough that the Clippers could renounce him to a Non-Bird free agent and give him a 1+1, as the 20% raise allowed under Non-Bird rights is enough to get Kawhi to his max. The Clippers will offer him the full 4-year, $176.2 million max (or max extension if he opts in), and likely also give him an player option on the final year, and a 15% trade bonus.
Other teams will be able to offer Leonard a 4-year, $169.2 million max offer, with a player option and 15% trade bonus. Leonard could also sign a shorter-term contract if he wants more flexibility.
Potential Teams: Clippers, Heat, Mavericks, 76ers, Bulls
Predicted Contract: 4-year, $173.1 million (player option, 15% trade bonus) with the Clippers.
Actual Contract: 4-year, $173.1 million (player option, 15% trade bonus) with the Clippers.
Kawhi signed a four-year max contract with the Clippers, which could raise to around $176 million if the salary cap rises enough.
Last updated: 8/18/2021
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