On September 28, Beijing time, according to ESPN, Clippers star Kawhi Leonard talked about his contract issue on the media day.
According to previous reports, Leonard signed a four-year, $176 million contract with the Clippers, rather than signing a five-year top salary contract after the conditions were met for the next year.
"Because I want to play." "The best contract for me is of course to sign a 1+1 contract and jump out and sign a five-year contract, but that would make your media suspicious and write a lot of stories about me leaving the Clippers," Leonard said. I want to make sure I get the money, and I want to try to make a comeback this season when possible. If I sign a 1+1 contract, I'm basically not going to make a comeback this season for a long contract for the summer. ”
Injured in the second round of the playoffs, Leonard thought he didn't have any big problems to play, but the team insisted he was on leave. He also travelled away with the team, but was told before the game that he could not play. He said it was "challenging" to observe the process of recovering from injuries on a daily basis, especially since he "barely felt injured".
Leonard, who underwent cruciate ligament surgery in his right knee in the summer, is expected to miss at least most of the season, and it's unclear when he'll return.
"It's daily observation." Leonard said, "I can only try to recover every day, and when the comeback day is approaching, we will be ready, and then it will naturally be made public." ”
Team coach Tyrone Lew also understands the situation.
"I hope he'll come back in the opener, but that's unrealistic." Tyrone-Lou said, "We don't want to put any pressure on him, we want him to be able to recover well with peace of mind." If he can't make a comeback next season, he'll make a comeback next season. ”
Source: NBA official website