Kawhi Leonard had 69 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists through the first two games of the Suns-Clippers series. He had put the team on his back in the absence of co-star Paul George and had helped the Clippers stun the Suns in Game 1. If the Clippers were going to top the Suns, Leonard was going to be the most vital piece in that effort.
However, Leonard was sidelined towards the end of Game 2 and ruled out of Games 3-5 with a knee injury. There had been reports, and hopes, that he would be able to return to the series. However, these reports only ever went as high as a 50/50 chance that he would play. He was officially ruled out of the series-ending Game 5, with the Clippers losing 136-130. However, further details have now been revealed about Leonard's injury.
Kawhi Leonard Out Indefinitely With Torn Meniscus
According to sources who spoke with The Athletic, Leonard has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee. That will shut down the Clippers star for most, if not all, of the offseason and could even extend into the 2023-24 season. Leonard played 52 this season as he dealt with a handful of nagging, small-scale injuries. However, he is quickly gaining a reputation as a GOAT-level player...when he's healthy. Kawhi has missed a total of 160 games during his stint with the Clippers. In comparison, he has played in 187. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith has already declared that this latest injury should be the end of Leonard's time with the Clippers.
However, Leonard's injury all but guarantees he will play for the Clippers next season. 2023-24 is a player option year for Leonard, meaning that he had the right to opt-out and pursue free agency if he wished. However, the market for the veteran forward will be much smaller now that he's publicly dealing with such a severe injury. Barring a contract extension, Leonard would be a free agent at the end of next season. Furthermore, the Clippers can't cut Leonard because his contract his fully guaranteed. That means LA is on the hook for nearly $49 million (cutting Leonard also imposes a cap hit of $45 million). However, it remains to be seen what the recovery timetable looks like for Leonard.
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