Kawhi Leonard officially signs with Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers signed free agent forward Kawhi Leonard, this year's NBA FInals MVP with the Toronto Raptors, to a reported three-year, $103-million US maximum contract, and officially completed a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder for Paul George.

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The Clippers completed their blockbuster trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, acquiring George for guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, forward Danilo Gallinari and five first-round draft picks.

The Clippers surrendered their first-rounders in 2022, 2024 and 2026, plus sent ones for 2021 and 2023 that were obtained through Miami, to Oklahoma City.

Lawrence Frank, the Clippers' president of basketball operations, announced the moves Wednesday, but did not disclose terms of the deal, which have been reported by multiple outlets.

"This is a historic moment for our organization and our fans," said Frank. "We are grateful and honoured that Kawhi Leonard has decided to come home and join the L.A. Clippers. Kawhi is a peerless two-way player, a relentless worker and a natural fit for the serious, professional culture our group has established. He wins everywhere he goes, and he always has, from King High School to San Diego State to the NBA. Having him on our side is a tremendous privilege and a massive responsibility, one we will take very seriously. His expectation, and ours, is to contend for championships."

The person spoke to the Associated Press about Leonard's deal on condition of anonymity because the Clippers did not release its final terms. The Athletic first reported the three-year term and option provision in Leonard's deal.

That would allow Leonard, a 28-year-old Southern California native, to opt out and become a free agent again in 2021.

It was originally reported that Leonard would receive a four-year, $142-million maximum contract.

Leonard and the Clippers had talked about a full four-year max as well, but eventually agreed on the shorter deal which preserves the future contract flexibility for the two-time NBA Finals MVP.

"Having him on our side is a tremendous privilege and a massive responsibility, one we will take very seriously," Frank said. "His expectation, and ours, is to contend for championships."

Leonard led San Antonio to the NBA title in 2014 and Toronto to its first title last month.

WATCH | Raptors take down Warriors in Game 6 to win NBA title:

NBA Finals Wrap: Raptors close out Oracle Arena with first championship in franchise history

5 years ago

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The Toronto Raptors won their first NBA title in franchise history with a 114-110 win in Game 6 of the NBA Finals over the Golden State Warriors.

George, traded by the Clippers to pair with Leonard, also has two years guaranteed and a player option remaining on his deal.

"Paul George is one of the greatest two-way players in our game," said Frank. "He is both an elite scorer and a relentless defender whose versatility elevates any team. When you have the opportunity to acquire a contributor of his caliber, you do what it takes to bring him home. Paul is a native of the Los Angeles area and an ideal fit for the Clippers, thanks to his selflessness and drive. Following the lead of [owner] Steve Ballmer, we have plotted an aggressive course to build a championship contender, and acquiring Paul is a critical step."

Made 'unreasonable' demands

Leonard, who last month led the Raptors to their first NBA championship after he was acquired in a trade from the San Antonio Spurs last July, reportedly selected the Clippers over the Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers. According to TSN of Canada, Leonard made "unreasonable" demands of the Raptors during contract talks.

Leonard averaged 26.6 points and 7.3 rebounds over 60 regular-season games with the Raptors in 2018-19. Over 24 playoff games, he averaged 30.5 points with 9.1 rebounds.

In the NBA Finals, Leonard scored 28.5 points per game with 9.8 rebounds as Toronto defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games, dethroning the defending champs.

The three-time all-star, who was drafted 15th overall by the Indiana Pacers in 2011, has averaged 17.7 points and 6.3 rebounds over 467 games (440 starts) with the Spurs and the Raptors.

Along with Leonard and George, the 2021 free-agent class could potentially include the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bradley Beal, Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond, Blake Griffin, and LeBron James, who has a player option for 2021 on the four-year deal he signed with the Lakers last off-season.