Clippers should rue Kawhi Leonard's contract extension

The Los Angeles Clippers inked Kawhi Leonard to a three-year $149.5 million contract extension in January. The two-time NBA champion will be 35 years old by the time he hits free agency again. Los Angeles ensured there was no player option on the final year of his new deal.

The Clippers may already regret giving him such a hefty paycheck.

Leonard was limited to two games in the 2024 playoffs due to swelling in his right knee, the same knee he suffered an ACL tear on in 2021 and a meniscus injury in 2022. During the summer, Leonard underwent surgery to help resolve the issue.

However, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, Leonard is still sidelined, with no set time for his return to the court.

"L.A. Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will be sidelined indefinitely to begin the NBA season as he rehabilitates from inflammation in his right knee, sources told ESPN on Thursday," Charania reported. "The Clippers and Leonard are in the midst of a rehab process for the two-time NBA Finals MVP."

The Clippers lost Paul George at the start of the summer. As such, their need for Leonard to resolve his longstanding knee issues has significantly grown. When healthy, he is still among the best forwards in the NBA, but his knee issues have sapped some of his speed and explosiveness. Further damage could drastically reduce his effectiveness as a primary offensive and defensive option.

Given his worsening knee problems, it won't be surprising if the front office regrets its decision to commit almost $150 million to Leonard. Nevertheless, the Clippers are committed and must show patience in Leonard's recovery.

If Leonard can continue sitting out of basketball activities until his body begins to respond and his knee has been strengthened, there's still a chance his tenure with the franchise could be a successful one. But, with each passing injury, that chance decreases.

Sooner or later, the Clippers may need to face the fact that they made a mistake and start exploring ways to move on from Leonard. If that means a re-tooling or a full rebuild, so be it.