Kawhi Leonard will not play for the United States in the Olympics and will be replaced by Derrick White. The statement from USA Basketball suggested that the decision was made by the Los Angeles Clippers and the national team.
Leonard has not completed a season for the Clippers since 2020 and there were concerns he would be limited for the United States in the Olympics, or it could jeopardize his availability for the start of the season.
“Kawhi has been ramping up for the Olymplcs over the past several weeks and had a few strong practices in Las Vegas,” said USA Basketball in the statement. “He felt ready to compete. However, he respects that USA Basketball and the Clippers determined it’s in his best interest to spend the remainder of the summer preparing for the upcoming season rather than participating in the Olympic Games in Paris.”