Kawhi Leonard reportedly took less than his maximum possible in his extension. That was done in hopes that it will pave the way for the LA Clippers to keep both Paul George and James Harden.
“With the conversation that I have with them about it, I think for the most part everybody is coming back,” Leonard said after the Clippers beat the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night. “So, with me signing an extension, I think it gives us a chance to sign both of those players.”
George said that he and the Clippers are “working through it” on a possible extension. He ultimately said he thinks it will get done, with Leonard’s extension setting the table.
“I mean, absolutely,” George said when asked whether Leonard’s extension is a steppingstone to him staying. “You secure and lock in Kawhi. Definitely leaves the door open for myself, but very, very optimistic something will get done on my behalf, as well.”
Harden is not extension eligible after his trade to the Clippers from the Philadelphia 76ers. He’s set to hit unrestricted free agency, but all signs point to Harden re-signing in LA.