A recent in-depth report by Baxter Holmes on Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers reveals that the franchise has no immediate plans to build its future around the star player. This new perspective raises significant questions about the direction of the team.
Inside the Kawhi Era: Challenges and Unfulfilled Promises
Holmes’s report provides a detailed chronicle of Kawhi Leonard’s tenure with the Clippers, focusing on pivotal moments and the influential role played by his uncle and agent, Dennis Robertson. Leonard joined the Clippers in 2019, arriving as a fresh champion after guiding the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA title. However, since his acquisition, the team’s performance has lagged, raising doubts about their strategy.
Steve Ballmer, owner of the Clippers, had high hopes for transforming the team into a title contender, aiming to surpass the achievements of their city rivals, the Lakers. Unfortunately, despite these ambitions, the Lakers secured the championship in 2020. So far, the Clippers’ journey has included just one deep playoff run in 2021, hampered by Leonard’s injuries.
Contract Controversies and Future Uncertainty
The situation has only been complicated by recent allegations involving Leonard and the company Aspiration, hinting at potential salary cap violations associated with his payments. This mounting tension raises questions not only about Leonard’s role but also Ballmer’s management approach.
When negotiating Leonard’s signing in 2019, Ballmer appears to have acquiesced to several demands, some of which were described as unrealistic by insiders. The Clippers sacrificed key players and draft picks, including rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, to make Leonard’s collaboration with Paul George a reality.
The fallout from this transaction has continued to resonate. Discussions within the organization revealed that some members were hesitant about the long-term viability of this decision. Meanwhile, Leonard’s camp has allegedly sought to maintain tight control over communications regarding his health, further straining relationships within the team.
Adding to the drama, there are claims of a lawsuit from Randy Shelton, a former physical trainer, who accused the franchise of wrongful termination after he raised concerns about Leonard’s wellness. Accusations of coercion and tampering during Leonard’s recruitment process have also surfaced, hinting at a tumultuous recruitment landscape.
In contrast, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who capitalized on the deal that sent Paul George to the Clippers, celebrated an NBA Championship during this period, with Gilgeous-Alexander earning MVP honors.
As it stands, the Clippers appear to be reevaluating their partnership with Leonard. Reports indicate that the franchise has decided not to focus on building around him moving forward, a sentiment reflected by sources within the organization. This shift suggests a potential reevaluation of strategies leading up to the expiration of Leonard’s contract in 2027.
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