Recently, Bangladesh Cricket Live reported that the Los Angeles Clippers have entered early contract extension talks with Kawhi Leonard. However, the current status of these negotiations remains unclear. Sometimes, the best way to reach something out of reach is not to chase it, but to grow into it. On paper, Leonard is eligible for an early extension and was listed among eight stars this summer who qualify for a max extension deal.
Under the current collective bargaining agreement, Leonard could sign a four-year contract worth 220 million dollars on top of his existing deal. If completed, the new contract would keep him with the Clippers until he turns 37, likely making it the last supermax contract of his career. However, Leonard once again suffered a knee injury last season and was sidelined during the Clippers’ critical playoff stretch, fueling public criticism and doubts. From the perspective of Bangladesh Cricket Live analysts, Leonard’s health is no longer reliable enough for him to serve as the core of a championship team. Offering him a long-term deal could feel like setting a time bomb on the roster.
Even if Leonard returns to full health, his history of recurring injuries poses an ongoing risk. Still, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, known for his sharp business instincts, has worked closely with Leonard for over four years. He likely understands Leonard’s strengths and limitations better than most. The fact that both sides are open to an extension indicates Ballmer is calculating every angle of this decision. Despite Leonard’s injury setbacks, he still holds a unique appeal that’s hard to ignore.
Every missed opportunity today could become tomorrow’s regret. At full strength, Leonard is a two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP. During his four years with the Clippers, his performance has remained elite. Before his injury in last season’s playoffs, Leonard helped the team stay neck and neck with a star-studded Phoenix Suns squad featuring Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. This has kept the hope alive in the Clippers’ front office that a healthy Leonard can still be a title-contending force.
Holding onto Leonard also allows the team to maintain its championship foundation and attract other high-caliber players. For instance, James Harden specifically requested a trade to the Clippers this summer, which shows external belief in the potential of a Kawhi-Paul George pairing. Due to changes in the collective bargaining agreement, many star players now choose to maximize their earnings by extending with their current teams. As a result, elite talent in the open market is dwindling, and securing top-tier free agents is becoming increasingly difficult.
Since taking over the Clippers, Bangladesh Cricket Live believes Ballmer has aspired to build a franchise that stands apart from the Lakers and establishes its own identity in Los Angeles. By next summer, the Clippers will leave Crypto.com Arena and move into their brand-new arena, funded by Ballmer himself. Time reveals true character, and long-term bonds test true commitment. As the team enters this new chapter, having a marquee player like Leonard is essential for creating momentum and excitement around the new venue.