What Happened to Kawhi Leonard?
Kawhi Leonard is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers, renowned for his two-way play and two NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs (2014) and Toronto Raptors (2019). After signing with the Clippers in 2019, his tenure has been marked by dominant performances interspersed with significant injury setbacks. He signed a three-year contract extension in January 2024, and as of March 2026, he continues to be a leading scorer for the Clippers amidst an ongoing league investigation into his initial signing.
Quick Answer
Kawhi Leonard is currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, having signed a three-year, $152.4 million contract extension in January 2024 that runs through the 2026-27 season. Despite recurring injury concerns, he has been a key offensive force for the Clippers in the 2025-26 season, averaging over 28 points per game as of March 2026. His time with the Clippers has also been under scrutiny due to an ongoing NBA investigation into alleged salary cap circumvention during his initial free agency signing in 2019.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Drafted by Indiana Pacers, Traded to San Antonio Spurs
Kawhi Leonard was drafted 15th overall by the Indiana Pacers and immediately traded to the San Antonio Spurs on draft night.
Wins First NBA Championship and Finals MVP
Leonard led the San Antonio Spurs to an NBA championship over the Miami Heat and was named the NBA Finals MVP, becoming the third-youngest recipient of the award.
Awarded First Defensive Player of the Year
Kawhi Leonard received his first NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, recognizing his elite defensive skills.
Traded to Toronto Raptors
Amidst injury frustrations and a desire to leave San Antonio, Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors.
Leads Raptors to First NBA Championship and Second Finals MVP
In his only season with the Raptors, Leonard led the team to their historic first NBA championship and earned his second NBA Finals MVP award.
Signs with Los Angeles Clippers
Leonard signed a three-year, $103 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, returning to his home state and teaming up with Paul George.
Suffers Partial ACL Tear
Leonard sustained a partial tear of his right ACL during the Western Conference Semifinals, forcing him to miss the entire 2021-22 NBA season.
Signs Three-Year Contract Extension with Clippers
The Clippers extended Leonard's contract with a three-year, $152.4 million deal, keeping him with the team through the 2026-27 season.
Sidelined with Right Knee Inflammation
Leonard was sidelined indefinitely at the start of the 2024-25 NBA season due to inflammation in his right knee, a lingering issue.
Sustains Right Ankle and Foot Sprains
Leonard suffered right ankle and foot sprains, leading to missed games, though he later showed progress in recovery.
All-Star Snub Amidst Strong Season
Despite a strong offensive season, Leonard was not selected for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, with some speculation linking it to his contract situation.
New Documents Released in Clippers-Aspiration Investigation
Journalist Pablo Torre released new documents, including a confidential 2023 government complaint, explicitly warning the SEC about alleged salary cap circumvention by the Clippers in their dealings with Leonard.
Scores 45 Points Against Timberwolves
Kawhi Leonard scored 45 points in a dominant performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves, leading the Clippers to a 153-128 victory.
Ties Franchise Record for 20+ Point Games
Leonard scored 28 points against the Chicago Bulls, marking his 44th consecutive game with at least 20 points, tying Bob McAdoo's franchise record.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Kawhi Leonard's journey in the NBA has been defined by his quiet demeanor, relentless work ethic, and exceptional two-way dominance. Drafted 15th overall in 2011, he quickly evolved into a superstar with the San Antonio Spurs, winning an NBA championship and Finals MVP in 2014, followed by two Defensive Player of the Year awards (2015, 2016). His departure from the Spurs in 2018, amidst a quad injury dispute, led him to the Toronto Raptors, where he famously delivered the franchise's first NBA title in 2019, earning his second Finals MVP.
In July 2019, Leonard made a highly anticipated move to his hometown, signing a max deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, alongside Paul George, with aspirations of bringing a championship to the franchise. However, his tenure with the Clippers has been significantly impacted by a series of high-profile injuries, including a partial ACL tear in 2021 that sidelined him for the entire 2021-22 season. Subsequent seasons also saw him limited by knee and meniscus issues, notably missing crucial playoff games in 2023 and 2024 due to right knee injuries.
Despite these setbacks, the Clippers demonstrated continued faith in Leonard, signing him to a three-year, $152.4 million contract extension on January 10, 2024, securing his presence through the 2026-27 season. This extension came as he returned to star form, averaging 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists during the 2023-24 season. The 2025-26 season has seen Leonard maintain a high level of play, averaging around 28.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 51 games as of March 2026, showcasing his continued offensive prowess. He has also tied a Clippers franchise record by scoring 20+ points in 44 consecutive games as of March 14, 2026.
However, Leonard's current status is not without complications. He has continued to deal with various injuries throughout the 2025-26 season, including right knee inflammation in October 2024, and multiple ankle and knee issues in late 2025 and early 2026, leading to missed games and concerns about his long-term availability. Furthermore, the Clippers and Leonard are subjects of an ongoing NBA investigation into alleged salary cap circumvention related to his 2019 free agency signing, involving a company named Aspiration. Recent reports in March 2026 revealed a confidential 2023 government complaint explicitly warning the SEC about these dealings. This investigation adds a layer of uncertainty to his and the team's future, even as Leonard continues to perform at an elite level on the court.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Kawhi Leonard made different choices?